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The multi-layer problem in implementation research

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  • Michael Hill
  • Peter Hupe

Abstract

This article argues that many discussions of implementation deal inadequately with the fact that several layers of government are often involved in policy processes. It thus identifies a multi-layer problem in the literature on implementation, and explores its dimensions. It argues that a failure to deal adequately with the problem leads to two particular pitfalls. One is that the notion of ‘dashed’ expectations on the part of one layer suggests either that there has been a failure of control, or that there have been interventions in the policy process that are seen as illegitimate. The other is that the relationship between layers is a simple and uniform phenomenon that can be expected to have similar characteristics in dissimilar situations. It then offers some proposals to deal with these pitfalls, and looks at what this reframing of the problem means for implementation research.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Hill & Peter Hupe, 2003. "The multi-layer problem in implementation research," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 5(4), pages 471-490, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:pubmgr:v:5:y:2003:i:4:p:471-490
    DOI: 10.1080/1471903032000178545
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Landry Signé, 2017. "Policy Implementation – A synthesis of the Study of Policy Implementation and the Causes of Policy Failure," Research papers & Policy papers 1703, Policy Center for the New South.
    2. Bos, J.J. & Brown, R.R., 2014. "Assessing organisational capacity for transition policy programs," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 188-206.
    3. Hildebrand Sean, 2015. "Coerced Confusion? Local Emergency Policy Implementation After September 11," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, De Gruyter, vol. 12(2), pages 273-298, June.
    4. Gaitonde, Rakhal & San Sebastian, Miguel & Muraleedharan, V.R. & Hurtig, Anna-Karin, 2017. "Community Action for Health in India’s National Rural Health Mission: One policy, many paths," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 82-90.
    5. May, Anthony D. & Page, Matthew & Hull, Angela, 2008. "Developing a set of decision-support tools for sustainable urban transport in the UK," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 15(6), pages 328-340, November.
    6. Marco Giulio & Giancarlo Vecchi, 2019. "Multilevel policy implementation and the where of learning: the case of the information system for school buildings in Italy," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 52(1), pages 119-135, March.
    7. Chitralada Chaiya & Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, 2021. "Success or Failure of the Thai Higher Education Development—Critical Factors in the Policy Process of Quality Assurance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-29, August.
    8. Mæhle, Per Magnus & Smeland, Sigbjørn, 2021. "Implementing cancer patient pathways in Scandinavia how structuring might affect the acceptance of a politically imposed reform," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(10), pages 1340-1350.
    9. Nunes, João & Lotta, Gabriela, 2019. "Discretion, power and the reproduction of inequality in health policy implementation: Practices, discursive styles and classifications of Brazil's community health workers," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).

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