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Steering the Ship of State: One Tiller but Two Pairs of Hands

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  • Rose, Richard

Abstract

Policy-making reflects the combined activity of both politicians and higher civil servants; both have their hands on the tiller of the ship of state. But they approach problems of governing from different perspectives – partisan or bureaucratic – and each has a different contribution to make. This article considers six models of the relationship, varying according to inputs of political will and the probability of programmes achieving success. They are: willpower dominates; perfectly informed trade-offs; everything is uncertain; everything is predetermined; capture by civil servants; and policies dominate. The analysis emphasizes that there is a greater need for changes in the knowledge and behaviour of politicians in office than for further reform of the civil service.

Suggested Citation

  • Rose, Richard, 1987. "Steering the Ship of State: One Tiller but Two Pairs of Hands," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 17(4), pages 409-433, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:bjposi:v:17:y:1987:i:04:p:409-433_00
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