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Scientization Under Pressure—The Problematic Role of Expert Bodies During the Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Tom Christensen

    (University of Oslo)

  • Per Lægreid

    (University of Bergen)

Abstract

This article focuses on the role of experts in the Norwegian decision-making process in central government during the crisis management of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on a structural-instrumental and a cultural perspective. The main findings are that managing the pandemic led to a centralization of power in the hands of the political leadership, a blurring of the dichotomy between politics and administration, and a variety of expert advice. The crisis management also reflected the cultural appropriateness of a collaborative decision-making style, but it was not characterized by a scientization of policymaking. Rather than policymaking by experts it was policymaking informed by experts.

Suggested Citation

  • Tom Christensen & Per Lægreid, 2022. "Scientization Under Pressure—The Problematic Role of Expert Bodies During the Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 291-307, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:porgrv:v:22:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s11115-022-00605-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11115-022-00605-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Martin Baekgaard & Julian Christensen & Jonas Krogh Madsen & Kim Sass Mikkelsen, 2020. "Rallying around the flag in times of COVID-19: Societal lockdown and trust in democratic institutions," Journal of Behavioral Public Administration, Center for Experimental and Behavioral Public Administration, vol. 3(2).
    2. Francis Fukuyama, 2013. "What Is Governance?," Working Papers 314, Center for Global Development.
    3. Johan Christensen, 2018. "Economic knowledge and the scientization of policy advice," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 51(3), pages 291-311, September.
    4. Tom Christensen, 2021. "The Social Policy Response to COVID-19 – The Failure to Help Vulnerable Children and Elderly People," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 707-722, December.
    5. March, James G. & Olsen, Johan P., 1983. "The New Institutionalism: Organizational Factors in Political Life," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 78(3), pages 734-749, December.
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