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Course, Logic and Efficiency: An Analysis of Institutional Changes in China's Fiscal Decentralization LI Xiaoyu, REN Zongzhe Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 82-.   Abstract （948）      PDF（pc） （1417KB）（1424）       Knowledge map    Save Among the many explanations for China's rapid economic growth, fiscal decentralization, a institutional factor, has received long-term attention from academia since the late 1980s. How to objectively understand the institutional changes of fiscal decentralization in China? It is undoubtedly of great significance to sort out the issues of "what" and "how" about this system. This paper draws on the research paradigm of Historical Institutionalism and based on China's fiscal system itself to explore the institutional changes of fiscal decentralization in China. The findings are as follows, China's fiscal decentralization can be divided into four stages: the decentralization reform stage (1949-1978), the decentralization and concession reform stage (1979-1993), the tax distribution reform stage (1994-2012), and the modern fiscal and tax system reform stage (2013-present); China's fiscal decentralization has the legitimacy of institutional generation, and also exhibits the integrity of path dependence, the stability of fractured equilibrium, and the inclusiveness of gradual transformation; the localization of interests promoted by China's fiscal decentralization has shown significant positive incentives in supporting national governance, achieving common prosperity, improving social security, and coping with public crises. At the same time, we should also see the moral hazard problems induced by the localization of interests, especially the frequent occurrence of resource mismatch and waste caused by information asymmetry and insufficient capacity, as well as the negative impact of improper fiscal competition that has made intergovernmental collaboration and regulation more difficult. This paper provides an analytical framework for institutional change from the perspective of change process, change logic to institutional effectiveness, which provides ideas and enlightenment for interpreting the evolution of central and local fiscal relations and rationalizing China's fiscal system in the new era. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Machine Learning in Public Administration Research: Tutorial, Application and Challenges LIU Wenbo, WANG Conghu Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 152-.   Abstract （578）      PDF（pc） （1476KB）（392）       Knowledge map    Save The development of digital society makes machine learning more and more remarkable in social science research, but machine learning applications in public administration literature is still limited. This article firstly introduces the basic theories of machine learning, and then analyses the applications of machine learning in recently public administration leading journals, and finally summarizes challenges of using this method in public administration research. This article contends that machine learning can help both data collection and data analysis.In data collection, machine learning methods help to turn the non-numeric data into numeric data, as well as data clustering. In data analysis of relativity, machine learning is used to mitigate the dimensional disaster.In causal inference research, this method can analyse the heterogeneous causality, as well as average treatment effect with other causal inference methods such as IV, PSM, RDD, DID and SCM. However, machine learning is challenged in practicability, usability, explanatory and repeatability, which also draws risks from the perspective of public value. Even though, considering its great potential contribution,this article believes that using machine learning in public administration research will be a new trend. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Evolutionary Trajectory and Influencing Factors of Regional Carbon Emission Reduction Policy Collaboration: Based on Network Analysis Perspective#br# ZHAO Zebin, LI Yingjie, SHENG Shiyu, QU Aiyu Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 20-.   Abstract （519）      PDF（pc） （5348KB）（545）       Knowledge map    Save Data-driven network analysis methods provide new perspectives for the understanding of emission reduction synergy. This paper sorts out the historical logic, spatial characteristics and driving factors of China-style modernization regional emission reduction policy synergy from both historical and practical perspectives, in order to provide reference for policy formulation. Different from the existing investigation of the synergy between government departments, this paper constructs an inter-provincial policy network measurement model based on natural language processing, based on big data text analysis to measure the coordination degree of 4988 inter-provincial and regional policies and 275 central policy concerns, introduces social network analysis technology to construct an inter-provincial policy coordination network, and studies the impact of central policy focus on local emission reduction policy coordination. Based on the BERTopic model, it is found that the regional coordinated emission reduction policy has gone through three stages: radiation in key demonstration areas, regional coordinated strategic guidance and national systematic classification policy, and three mechanisms have been formed: differentiated target response, expanded synergy scope and concrete policy content. Applied social network analysis shows that there are 457 emission reduction synergies coexisting among 31 provinces, and the network shows a tight imbalance between the central and eastern parts and the loose imbalance in the western and northern parts of the south. Among them, Beijing, Shanghai and Jiangsu are the core actors, Jilin, Ningxia and Heilongjiang are the marginal actors, and Hubei and Hunan play the role of "bridges"; Finally, based on the secondary assignment procedure of multiple regression, it is found that the higher the attention of the central government, the closer the geographical location, and the greater the gap in economic development level, the more conducive to regional emission reduction coordination. The central government should balance policy concerns, adhere to quantitative targets and structural optimization, and implement policies according to role positioning. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Experimental replications in public administration: Codebook Formation and Research Agenda#br# Dong Binzizi , Wang Chengwei, Richard M. Walker Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 149-.   Abstract （453）      PDF（pc） （1723KB）（230）       Knowledge map    Save Replication is viewed sitting at the heart of any scientific progress. Walker James, and Brewer(2017) argued that replication studies with variation could help refine theory and strengthen external validity. Even though the importance of replication studies is obvious, experimental replications remain undeveloped in the discipline of public administration and management. This study is geared towards the reappraisal of existing experimental replication studies in the discipline of public administration. We reviewed and discussed 17 experimental replications, guided by the theoretical framework initiated by Walker et al. (2018). We discovered that the most prominent issue is establishing validity. Additionally, we observed that certain replication methods and fundamental experimental requirements were, to some extent, overlooked. We also noticed a scarcity of replications conducted within the Chinese context. We advocate for an increase in experimental replications that test theories developed in Western societies within the Chinese context. Comparative replications not only enhance the quality of Public Administration scholarship but also aid in the development of mid-range theories and robust lessons for experimental practice. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The Structuration and Institutionalization of Social Capital for Community Self-organization—— An Extended Case Study of a Grassroots Mutual-aid Organization in Community Conflict Governance#br# #br# CHENG Xiu Ying, LIU Meng Xiang Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 155-.   Abstract （447）      PDF（pc） （1628KB）（431）       Knowledge map    Save Along with the collapse of work unit system, the living space, social organization and urban management in China have gone through tremendous changes.  How to explain the connection between resident self-organization and government embeddedness in communities became the key to understand the state-society relation in current China.  Based on participant observation and in-depth interview, this article supplied an extended case study on a six-year long community conflict incident.  From the theoretical perspective of social capital construction, this article analyzed the formation process, expansion mechanisms and institutional limits for community grassroots self-organization. The findings are: the intangible capitals of the state, such as rule of law, facilitated the human capital’s conversion to community social capital, which became the foundation of grassroots self-organization.  The interlocking network based on we-chat groups, the online-offline interaction and the rules of democratic negotiation buttressed the structuration of grassroots self-organization based on bonding and bridging social capital, which thus overcome the vulnerability of self-organization. However, the interactions with residents’ committee and home-owners’ association did not gain the grassroots self-organization power and resources through building linking social capital with the state. This indicates the institutional limits to the sustainable development of grassroots self-organization in current governance structure of communities.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Spatial Patterns, Multiple Mechanisms, and Intergovernmental Interactive #br# #br# Decision-Making in China’s Policy Diffusion#br# #br# PENG Keyu, LIU Hao Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 4-19.   Abstract （411）      PDF（pc） （3071KB）（542）       Knowledge map    Save The decision-making behavior of local governments is not isolated. Their policy responses are influenced by the actions of surrounding cities, creating complex patterns of policy diffusion across multiple levels of government. The “spatial turn” in policy diffusion research has yielded a valuable spatial perspective on intergovernmental interaction, offering a clearer understanding of local government decision-making processes. This article focuses on ride-hailing regulatory policies in 277 Chinese prefecture-level cities, using spatial econometric models that consider geographic, economic, and administrative distances. The study empirically analyzes the intergovernmental interactive decision-making and spatial diffusion patterns during policy adoption of local government. It is found that a significant positive spatial dependence exits in China’s ride-hailing regulatory policies. Horizontal diffusion reveals that local governments tend to follow cities with similar economic levels and adopt alternative policy content in alignment with cities at the same administrative level. Such decision-making interaction among peer governments amplifies the diffusion effect of top-down coercive mechanisms, while vertical diffusion from different sources exhibits overlapping influences. This article re-examines traditional policy diffusion theories and assumptions from a spatial perspective, contributing to a deeper understanding of local government agenda setting and policy adoption processes. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Promoting the Integration of Health Care and Prevention: The Economic and Health Performance of the Health Checkups#br# SU Min, LIU Yinxi, LI Dongxu, ZHANG Tianjiao Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 101-.   Abstract （343）      PDF（pc） （9928KB）（319）       Knowledge map    Save In the context of accelerating population aging and rising health costs, it raises public awareness that how to control the health costs and maintain the health status of the elderly people simultaneously in the new round of Chinese health reform. This study uses the panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study（CHARLS）2013 and 2015 to evaluate the economic and health performance of health checkups for the elderly under the coarsened exact matching and difference-in difference framework. The results indicate that health checkups improved inpatient service utilization, reduced outpatient service utilization, and significantly improved health-related quality of life without significantly increase in health care burden. However, the economic and health performance had significant age and urban-rural heterogeneity. It is recommended to improve the content and process of free health checkups for the elderly to enhance the sense of gain; actively promote the development of the "Block-chain + Health" service model and strengthen the use of health data; improve the health literacy of the population and build a governance pattern of "universal participation in the health community".  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Institution Coupling, Situational Incentive and Different Modes of Policy Implementation : A Multi-case Comparative Study Based on L City RAN Pengcheng, CAI Changkun, WEI Shu Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 34-.   Abstract （292）      PDF（pc） （1643KB）（585）       Knowledge map    Save Exploring the different modes of policy implementation is of great significance for understanding the policy process and China's  governance system. Existing research has found that policy attributes, hierarchies and institutional environments are important factors leading to different modes of policy implementation. This paper integrates the two key variables of institutional coupling and situational incentive to construct a theoretical analysis framework, and then divides the policy implementation modes into four execution modes of competitive innovation, administrative utilization, symbolic leadership, and conflict adjustment, in order to open the process "black box" of the different policy implementation modes.  Through the multi-case comparative study of different party and government departments, townships and streets in L City which is to general establish legal counsel system, the theoretical presupposition is verified in this paper. At the same time, this paper finds that as the "sinking" of superior policies impacts the governance field of local governments, the two key influencing factors, institutional coupling and situational incentive, shape the response process and behavior pattern of stripe department and block department within local governments, through the dynamic mechanism of legitimacy recognition and political-economic incentive under the dual logic of legitimacy and rationality. The typification of different policy implementation modes not only expands the research related to the differentiated models of policy implementation, but also expands the research related to the organizational behavioral logic. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The construction and limits of the model of "efficient market and capable government" ZHU Qianwei Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 3-.   Abstract （288）      PDF（pc） （1212KB）（313）       Knowledge map    Save The suggestion of "efficient market and capable  government" indicates that China is constructing a new model of government market relations. This new model is not only a response to the change of government market relationship under the new situation, but also a breakthrough from the previous government market relationship. The construction of the new model faces a series of challenges, it needs to break through the limits of value, power and interest. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research on the Cooperativity of Chinese hierarchical Medical System Policy: Based on Quantitative Analysis of Central and Provincial Policy Texts FU Liping, DONG Yu, WANG Ruizhen Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 4-.   Abstract （286）      PDF（pc） （3052KB）（249）       Knowledge map    Save Hierarchical medical system is the first of the five basic medical systems and is also the ultimate goal to be achieved by the “strong grassroots” of the new medical reform. The implementation of the hierarchical medical system needs the guidance of the scientific and perfect policy system. The research on hierarchical medical system policy is conducive to analyzing the value orientation and evolutionary logic of the existing policies and ensuring that the top-level design cooperates with the social process. Taking the policy of hierarchical medical system published by the central and provincial governments as the study object, the paper establishes a three-dimensional analysis framework of policy instrument, policy objectives, and policy intensity, and explores the internal collaboration of the policy system of hierarchical medical system in China. The results show that the cooperativity of policy tools “supply-demand-environment” is poor, with strong supply, light environment, and weak demand. The cooperativity of “scale – efficiency” of policy objectives is lacking, and the radiation scale of policy objectives at each stage first expands and then decreases. The cooperativity of the policy intensity “administrative effectiveness - content effectiveness” is good, and there is a large space for coordination among the formulation subjects. The cooperativity of the three elements of “instrument-objectives-intensity” is insufficient, and there is a deviation from reality. Especially in the promotion period and breakthrough period, instrument and intensity may not provide strong support for realizing the objectives value. The text of hierarchical medical system policy clarifies the principal-agent relationship between the parties in the medical benefit transmission chain and restricts and guides policy implementation. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the structure of policy instrument, rationally grasp the policy intensity, coordinate the three elements, and adjust policies closely with the changes in the real situation. The research has important reference value for improving hierarchical medical system policy, promoting the equalization of basic medical services in China, and realizing double breakthroughs in theory and practice. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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How Smart City Pilot Policies Affect Regional Collaborative Innovation CHONG Zhaohui, WEI Xiaolin, QIN Chenglin Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 26-.   Abstract （284）      PDF（pc） （1431KB）（334）       Knowledge map    Save Regional collaborative innovation is essential for realizing the Chinese path to modernization. Based on the panel data of 276 cities in China from 2008 to 2018, this paper takes the National Smart City pilot policy as the quasi-natural experiment to explore the collaborative innovation effect and its mechanism of smart city construction. The results show that smart city pilot policies significantly promote regional collaborative innovation. The implementation of this policy increases the number of regional cooperative patents (per 10,000 people) in the pilot cities by about 0.479. Improving local innovation capabilities and developing high-tech industries are two important mechanisms for smart city construction to promote regional collaborative innovation. Further analysis reveals that the construction of smart cities has a greater impact on cities with good location conditions, and this impact is also related to the size of the city. This paper provides an essential reference for further promoting smart city pilot policies across the country and provides a new idea for accelerating regional collaborative innovation. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Can Campaign-Style Enforcement Lead to Sustainable Public Participation? Evidence From Public Participation in the Central Inspection on Ecological and Environmental Protection ZHAI Xiaozhen, MEI Ciqi Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 62-.   Abstract （280）      PDF（pc） （2222KB）（701）       Knowledge map    Save In the campaign-style enforcement, in addition to mobilizing local governments directly, the central government often mobilizes public participation, exerting pressure on local governments from above and below. Promoting sustainable public participation will be of great benefit to maintain the incentives for local governments and the achievements of campaign-style enforcement. We first explore how campaign-style enforcement affects public participation in the time dimension from a theoretical perspective: in the short term, campaign governance makes public participation possible by opening up political opportunities and promotes public participation by responding to their demands; however, the decline of public attention and the instability of the participation channels will threaten the sustainability of public participation in the long term. Second, we test the above inferences by collecting data on public petitions in two rounds of central inspection on ecological and environmental protection. The results show that: (1) the scale of public participation in the central ecological and environmental inspections tends to expand at the beginning but gradually shrinks, which makes it difficult to maintain long-term stability; (2) economic development factors are the main determinants of public participation compared to environmental pollution. It suggests that public participation in this process may not be motivated by the concerns for environmental protection but rather by demands for various issues of social governance arising from social development. These findings illustrate the dilemmas faced by public participation in campaign-style enforcement when it comes to achieving long-term effectiveness and regularity. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The Logic of Policy Implementation in Project-Based Governance of Wicked Problems: A Multi-Case Study on the Defense of Blue Sky and Clear Water in H Province#br# ZHANG Xing Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 51-.   Abstract （259）      PDF（pc） （1577KB）（476）       Knowledge map    Save Wicked problems have emerged as a focal point in policy research, with project-based governance representing a conventional approach to address these issues. Taking the defense of blue sky and clear water in H province as case study, this paper tries to reveal the logic of policy implementation in the project-based governance for wicked problems, and analyzes the generative mechanisms of “compliance-adaptation” implementation, so as to explain how the project system fosters effective governance of such challenges. Through a multi-case analysis, we discover that the project system enhances constraints on means and processes during policy implementation. The interaction between project goals and policy objectives facilitates a two-stage implementation process. We categorize“compliance-adaptation” implementation into four types based on the variables of tool suitability and resource adequacy. The double-edged sword effect, along with institutional arrangements, elucidates the generative mechanisms of “compliance-adaptation” implementation. While the project system addresses dilemmas associated with wicked problems—such as insufficient information, resources, and motivation—it also introduces challenges like adaptability risks, project fragmentation, and structural resource shortages, which may undermine the overall effectiveness of governance. Effective adaptive implementation, aimed at achieving policy objectives, relies on specific institutional arrangements. The “compliance-adaptation” implementation reveals the complexity theory implication within the project-based governance for wicked problems. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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How does the practical leadership style promote the innovative behavior of grassroots cadres?——Empirical evidence from a county-level region#br# ZHANG Li, ZHOU Jianguo Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 119-.   Abstract （259）      PDF（pc） （1508KB）（197）       Knowledge map    Save The personality traits, behavioral qualities and organizational climate created by grassroots leaders are important factors influencing the innovative behavior of grassroots cadres, yet existing research has not clearly elucidated the mechanisms and boundary conditions between the two. Based on self-determination theory and policy entrepreneurship theory, the article explores the influence of a practical leadership style on the innovative behavior of grassroots cadres and its internal mechanism using empirical evidence from a county-level region. The study finds that a practical leadership style has a significant positive impact on the innovative behavior of grassroots cadres; mechanism analysis shows that work autonomy plays a partially mediating role between practical leadership style and grassroots cadres' innovative behavior; and further analysis reveals that both material and spiritual incentives play a positive moderating role in the impact of practical leadership style on work autonomy. In view of this, this paper puts forward the policy suggestions of optimizing the appointment criteria of cadres and improving the training system, paying attention to the psychological perception of cadres and satisfying the demand for autonomy, and opening up the promotion channels of cadres and enriching the spiritual incentives. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Optimizing Fertility Policy: State Capacity Leads the Social Order——Based on the Interpretation Framework of Policy Style ZHU Hui, SU Yang Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 96-.   Abstract （259）      PDF（pc） （1626KB）（224）       Knowledge map    Save China is at the transition stage of optimizing its fertility policy. Based on the policy style interpretation framework, this article focuses on the Chinese style of fertility policy, and can analyze the recursive picture from crisis design to rational design, then to gradual design, and gradually realize the social design. This corresponds to four types of executive logic: authoritative, expert-guided, coordinated, and multi-cooperative. The Chinese style of the reproductive policy can be summarized as “state capacity leads to the social order”, which embodies on the dual evolution of the design and implementation of the “the governance of China”. Facing the long-term, complex and severe super-social project of solving China's population problem, the fertility policy style is based on the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and contains China's unique governing characteristics and governance elements, namely "conforms to China's national conditions of good governance" design and implementation of innovation "concentrate resources to accomplish large undertakings". Based on the dual evolution of China's fertility policy in the design and implementation, it is possible to objectively and comprehensively understand the changes in the mission of fertility policy from social management that restricts fertility to public services that encourage fertility, and to better integrate all forces so that the top-level design and implementation process of future fertility policies can take into account the needs of the country and the direction of public opinion.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The Influence Mechanism of Digital Government on Public Sense of Gain in Digital Era from the Perspective of Supply-Demand Interaction DU Yabin Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 46-.   Abstract （237）      PDF（pc） （1488KB）（396）       Knowledge map    Save  Although both academics and policymakers expect to improve public sense of gain through digital government, related empirical studies are scarce. By matching individual survey data from CGSS2017 with province-level secondary data, this study empirically explores the influence mechanism and differential effects of digital government on public sense of gain in digital era from the perspective of policy feedback theory. The analysis results indicate that: first, digital government influences public sense of gain in digital era through two mechanisms. On the one hand, it influences public political efficacy in digital era through interpretive effect; on the other hand, it influences public sense of social justice in digital era through resource effect. Second, on the supply side of digital government, different aspects of digital government have different effects on public sense of gain in digital era. While two-way interaction between government and citizens through government microblog improves public sense of gain in digital era, one-way information disclosure through government websites does not generate significant positive effects. Third, on the demand side, the characteristics of the public also influence the impact of digital government. While individual internet use enhances the positive effect of government microblog, individual online privacy concerns mitigate the positive effect of government microblog. The core theoretical contribution of this study is to elucidate the influence mechanism of digital government on public sense of gain in digital era from the perspective of policy feedback theory, and to reveal the contingency effect of digital government on public sense of gain in digital era from the perspective of supply-demand interaction. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Governance Through Supervision: The Supervision Mechanism of County Governance and Its Effectiveness: Case Study of T County in Central China#br# #br# WU Chunlai Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 155-.   Abstract （228）      PDF（pc） （1444KB）（148）       Knowledge map    Save Observing the practical shift of national supervision power at the grassroots level from the county level, and exploring the tension between national power supervision and the response of the county system. Based on the case experience of T County, an analysis is conducted around the correlation between county supervision mechanism and governance mechanism. It is found that, on the basis of complying with national supervision discourse, the main functions of county supervision power are expanded, supervision cooperation is embedded, and supervision results are diversified, which is the reconstruction and optimization of the county system on the grassroots supervision system; Relying on institutional authority, the focus of supervision has expanded from the party's discipline and special responsibilities to the central work responsibility of county-level generalization, and highlighted the supervision of power subjects in the process of policy implementation. The practice of supervisory power has been highlighted in the operation of the county-level system, which means that the county-level system has expanded the connotation of grassroots supervisory power while following the national political discourse. By relying on differentiated and integrated supervisory mechanisms, grassroots supervision has become normalized and procedural, and county-level governance has shown a trend of "governance through supervision". Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Organizational Reputation in the Public Sector with Audience as the Core: A Triple Perspective of Construction, Reshaping, and Perception LI Hongxia, CHEN Sicheng Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 125-.   Abstract （223）      PDF（pc） （1768KB）（491）       Knowledge map    Save Organizational reputation is a valuable intangible asset that is pivotal for the government to garner widespread public support and effectively respond to external shocks. Research on organizational reputation, emphasizing the relationship between the government and the public, can provide new ideas for efficient government governance, and has become a cutting-edge field of international public management in recent years. Despite a constant upsurge in research findings on organizational reputation in the public sector over the past decades, most studies merely accentuate reputation mechanisms at the organizational level, neglecting the subjective perception factors of the audience as well as the interactive relationship between the organization and the audience. Consequently, unlike previous reputation reviews that focus on organizational level, this study focuses on the audience for reputation literature review. Firstly, this study reviews Carpenter’s Bureaucratic Reputation Theory, pointing out the main theoretical viewpoints on understanding the reputation of public sector organizations from the perspectives of political science and organizational science. Subsequently, based on the holistic perspective of organization, audience, and interaction between the two, this study systematically analyzes the “construction-reshaping-perception” mechanism of organizational reputation in the public sector. Lastly, the policy implications of organizational reputation theory for public management practices are posited, and three key directions for future research are provided: the construction of organizational reputation within a normalized context, the impact of leaders and interactive relationships on organizational reputation, and the disparity between organizational reputation construction and public reputation perception. This study enriches the organizational reputation theory, and provides reference for reputation management practices and government innovation governance. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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“Hard Coordination” and “Soft Coordination” : The Formation Logic and Coordination Mechanism of the Relationship between County-Level Departments——A Case study of L District in Zhejiang Province#br# ZHOU Zhan, TIAN Xianhong Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 38-.   Abstract （219）      PDF（pc） （1584KB）（194）       Knowledge map    Save It is the difficulty of county governance to strengthen the integration and cooperation of inter-departmental relationships. At present, affected by the bureaucracy and Tiao-kuai system, the fragmentation of county-level departments in China is more prominent, which is difficult to meet the comprehensive needs of grass-roots governance affairs. The work carried out focusing on the county-level center and the frequent interaction between the county-level departments provide an observation window for the study of the relationship between the departments. According to the degree of resource domination and dependence of different departments, county-level departments are divided into four types: strong resource control and strong dependence, strong resource control and weak dependence, weak resource control and strong dependence, and weak resource control and weak resource dependence. A stable departmental relationship was established among departments based on the long-term interaction of resources and power, and the superposition of different relationships eventually forms a circular "dominant - marginal" departmental relationship network. The dominant department is the strong department, and the marginal department is the weak department. It was found that there are two coordination mechanisms in departmental relationships, namely “hard coordination” mechanism and “soft coordination” mechanism, which differ greatly in the main body, resource base, means and effect of coordination. The departmental coordination mechanism effectively resolved the contradiction between the grass-roots governance system and the needs of governance affairs, and improved the adaptability of the grass-roots governance system.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Collaborative Governance Problems and Optimization of Government Service Standardization Reform: An Analysis based on the "SMBI" Framework XU Fei, KONG Fanbin Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 25-.   Abstract （219）      PDF（pc） （1586KB）（343）       Knowledge map    Save  The standardization of government services is a key issue in building a service-oriented government that people are satisfied with. By introducing the "structure-mechanism-behavior-interaction" (SMBI) framework and combining the process of standardization reform of government service in S province and N city, this paper compares the different attitudes and practices of provinces, cities, districts and counties in the face of standardization reform, and points out that the differentiated allocation of authority of government service departments is one of the important reasons for the cooperative governance problems in the standardization reform of government service. On this basis, the strong correlation between standardization and performance appraisal mechanism can easily lead to reform becoming a tool for organizations to "self-prove", increasing the burden of grassroots government service departments work and causing contradictions in inter-governmental relations. However, the grassroots officials can take the lead in breaking through the authority of the bureaucracy to seek innovation and flexibility through more contact with the public, and promote the development of service-oriented government. In practice, the standardization of government service has both technical tools and administrative processes. It is necessary to coordinate the contradictions between governments and strengthen the contact between government service departments and the outside world based on the principle of "active complementarity". In the process of analyzing the standardization of government service, this paper adds the influence of meso-structure, mechanism, micro-behavior and interaction on reform, and study the relationship between organizational system design and individual behavior, which is helpful to grasp this political process more truly. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Public Value Creation, Failure and Countermeasures of Market-oriented Circulation of Data Element ZHANG Huiping, MA Taiping Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 13-.   Abstract （217）      PDF（pc） （1472KB）（245）       Knowledge map    Save The market-oriented circulation of data element involves diverse interactions among the governments, enterprises and individuals, requiring governance aimed at creating public value to orderly coordinate interests among stakeholders. From the perspective of data space, the market-oriented circulation of data element is defined as the linkage and interaction among enterprise data space, government data space and data trading space. Based on public value management theory, this paper constructs the public value creation logic of the market-oriented circulation of data element, and differentiated contextual generation paths are followed in the technological implementation process. The market-oriented circulation of data element creates two types of public value: digital economic growth and enhancement of public welfare. In the practical promotion process, the market-oriented circulation of data element faces conflicts between departmental interests, commercial interests, individual rights and public value. Meanwhile, the particularity of data element intensifies the conflict of multiple values, which will lead to the failure of public value. Effectively addressing public value failures in the market-oriented circulation of data element requires the establishment of collaborative governance models for data communities to promote the reshaping of value relationships. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Review and Prospects of Comprehensive Budget Performance Management Reform: Integrative analysis based on cross-level policy implementation LANG Mei, WANG Ting Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 135-.   Abstract （214）      PDF（pc） （1460KB）（181）       Knowledge map    Save The year 2023 is the final year of the comprehensive budget performance management reform. Based on the cross-level perspective of "central-provincial", "provincial-municipal-county (district)", taking the relevant policy texts issued by various levels of governments and the interview records of officials as research materials, we constructed an analytical framework of "system-organisation-individual".analysing the interface mechanism of comprehensive budget performance management between policy structure, promotion mode and officials' behavior. On this basis, the study focuses on identifying the structural efficiency of the reform of comprehensive budget performance management at various levels and its blocking factors. The study finds that the "shape" of the comprehensive budget performance management system has basically been formed, and the "point" actions in various regions have begun to bear fruit, but to further realize the "shape" and "reality" of the promotion process, the "point" and "surface" are connected. However, in order to further realize the "shape" and "reality" of the promotion process and to connect the "points" and "surfaces", the focus should be on relying on the actual situation of each province, breaking through the articulation mechanism of cross-level policy promotion, and improving the inherent structural efficiency. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Consistency or Countermeasures？—Local Government Policy Adaptation in China’s Blue Sky Protection Campaign LI Yanhao, WANG Jianhui, XU Manchi, ZHANG Qin, SU Jun Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 4-.   Abstract （214）      PDF（pc） （1608KB）（574）       Knowledge map    Save Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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How Does Government Disposal Media Affect Public Satisfaction?--An Empirical Research Based on 12345 Government Service Platform from a City in China JIN Huijie, WANG Kanliang, FU Dongpu Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 69-.   Abstract （204）      PDF（pc） （1621KB）（207）       Knowledge map    Save Effectively handling public appeals is a key component of online government services, and improving the one-to-one interaction process between the government and citizens is particularly crucial for enhancing the citizen appeal experience. As a carrier of communication information, the disposal media adopted by the government is an essential factor that may affect the effectiveness of the government-citizen interaction. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the effect of disposal media richness on public satisfaction. Drawing on media richness theory, this paper examines the influence of disposal media richness on public satisfaction and its boundary conditions by analyzing the 12345 municipal hotline order data of a city in China. We use the propensity score matching method and ordered logit regression model to identify the effect. The results indicate that the richness of disposal media positively influences public satisfaction. Moreover, this effect is moderated by characteristics of the disposing personnel and the citizen. When the management level of the disposing personnel is higher, and when the channel of appeal is social media platforms (compared to official platforms), this effect is weakened. In contrast, when the emotional valence of the citizen is more positive, this effect is stronger. This study identifies the influencing factors of public satisfaction during interactions between the government and citizens and expands the application scenarios of media richness theory. The paper also provides valuable guidance for government-citizen interaction related policies and their selection of disposal media to enhance public service efficiency. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Tax Incentives, Environmental Policy Mix and Corporate Environmental Performance Ding Hongyi, Cheng Qiongwen Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (5): 112-.   Abstract （201）      PDF（pc） （1544KB）（579）       Knowledge map    Save The improvement of enterprise environmental performance is the key content to promote the green development of economy and society. Based on the observation data of resource-based listed companies from 2012 to 2019, this paper studies the effects of tax incentives on corporate environmental performance and the channel mechanism, as well as the combined effects of tax incentives and different types of environmental policies. The conclusions are as follows: (1) Tax incentives can effectively promote the improvement of environmental performance of enterprises, and compared with state-owned resource-based enterprises, tax incentives have a greater promotion effect on the environmental performance of private resource-based enterprises. (2) Tax incentives can drive the improvement of environmental performance by encouraging enterprises to increase R&D investment, but green innovation output does not play a mediating role. (3) Further research on the combination effect of tax incentives and different types of environmental policies shows that the combination effect of tax incentives and market incentive environmental policies and voluntary environmental policies is obvious, and the combination effect of the two kinds of policies is affected by the nature of enterprise property rights. These conclusions provide theoretical enlightenment for scientific design of the combination of tax incentives and environmental policies, optimization of innovation-driven development mode, improvement of enterprise environmental management, and perfection of green development policy system. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Conceptual Development，Mechanisms of Formation，and Influential Factors Qian Lei , Yu Siyu , Gong Hongling Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 55-.   Abstract （192）      PDF（pc） （1515KB）（178）       Knowledge map    Save Policy innovation is crucial for achieving the modernization of national governance capabilities. Existing research，dominated by policy diffusion theory，primarily focuses on the dissemination and adoption of policy innovation，often neglecting the study of government behavior post-policy adoption. In reality，government behavior following the adoption of policy innovation is closely related to the performance of the innovation. The theory of policy reinvention，through the study of policy texts，reveals the mechanisms of government behavior after the adoption of policy innovation. Therefore，the evolution of policy reinvention theory is particularly important for a comprehensive understanding of the policy innovation process. Policy reinvention refers to the process by which a primary-level government refines，updates，or assimilates the prototype policies of higher-level or peer governments and enacts corresponding public policies within its jurisdiction. Most existing studies regard “reinvention” as a stage of “policy diffusion”，resulting in overlaps and intersections in conceptual definitions and process mechanisms. This study argues that policy reinvention is fundamentally different from policy diffusion in terms of process mechanisms. Therefore，this paper clarifies the conceptual connotation of policy reinvention through a comparative analysis of concepts; constructs a comprehensive model of the policy reinvention generation process by reviewing the research on the policy reinvention process; and explains the generation mechanism of policy reinvention by combining the influencing factors of reinvention. The study finds that during the downward diffusion of policies，the tension caused by localization resistance serves as a trigger for reinvention. The core of reinvention is the learning mechanism，where different learning pathways produce four types of knowledge: empathic，conceptual，negotiated，and technical. Factors such as policy dimensions，reinventor dimensions，and environmental dimensions influence the generation and degree of reinvention. Issues such as the effect of time and geographical influence remain controversial. Policy reinvention provides a unique perspective for analyzing local government innovation. Future research can continue to deepen the distinction between policy reinvention and related concepts，exploring the generation mechanisms in different contexts to enrich the theory of policy innovation research. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Connected Governance：An Explanation of Policy Mobilization in Township Government#br# ZHAO Junyi Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 135-.   Abstract （191）      PDF（pc） （1502KB）（138）       Knowledge map    Save In the context of soft policy constraints, how township governments endow policy execution rigidity to smoothly achieve policy  mobilization remains an important issue that needs to be explained in the academic community. Based on the practice of public cultural governance in five villages and towns in H County, Gansu Province, this paper uses the Grounded theory to build a theoretical model of "relational governance" to explain the behavior model of township government policy mobilization. Research has found that township governments establish rural social networks based on the correlation between governance elements such as institutions, interests, and culture. Through policy innovation mechanisms, task decomposition mechanisms, and mass mobilization mechanisms, the effective transmission of rural public cultural governance tasks between townships and villages has been achieved, enhancing the ability of various governance entities to act in concert, and thus achieving policy mobilization goals in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. This article expands the research perspective of policy mobilization and can provide reference for policy implementation practices under soft constraint scenarios. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Melodramatic Persuasion: The Combination and Its Effectiveness of Street-level Bureaucrats’ Law enforcement Strategies GAN Tian, Wang Yingying Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 88-.   Abstract （191）      PDF（pc） （1710KB）（702）       Knowledge map    Save This study focuses on how street-level bureaucrats strategize to address the contentious and uncertain nature of law enforcement. Existing research predominantly analyzes this from perspectives of power, behavior, and context, seldom uncovering the psychological mechanisms underlying the transition from resistance to compliance among those being regulated. Approaching from a psychological standpoint and grounded in Hovland’s persuasion theory, this study introduces a “Melodramatic Persuasion Model” for street-level bureaucrats. It does so through participatory observations of the persuasion tactics—encompassing scenarios, behaviors, and discourse—employed by urban management officials on Y Subdistrict in X City towards vendors obstructing the way. The findings reveal that street-level bureaucrats persuade those they regulate by adopting roles, alternating dialogues, and changing scenes; the shift from resistance to compliance is driven sequentially by information learning, congruency mechanisms, emotional transfer, and counterarguing mechanisms. This psychological transformation mechanism is particularly evident in the behaviors of socially disadvantaged groups within open street environments. It highlights the "patience capital" that street-level bureaucrats accumulate through experience, especially in situations characterized by "short-term confrontations" and "mutual awareness." Additionally, it challenges the assumption of homogeneity within street-level bureaucracies, revealing differences based on role (service or regulation), gender (male or female), rank (high or low), and context (new or familiar). The study's findings reflect the adaptive process of discretionary motivation in the enforcement strategies and combinations used by street-level bureaucrats. Furthermore, it provides a "people-centered" psychological reference model to enhance the effectiveness of grassroots law enforcement. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Activating the Froce of Public Service：Robustness and Variance HU Yue, SUN Yufei, CHEN Ziyi Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 54-.   Abstract （189）      PDF（pc） （1911KB）（208）       Knowledge map    Save The wide mobilization of social members' motivations for public service is the core driving force to improve the modernization level of governance through diverse governance paths, and it is also a basic condition for the effective operation of the whole-process people's democratic system. However, existing research has many limitations in terms of sample size, diversity, and representativeness, and is often confined to the examination of the civil servant group. This makes it difficult for existing research to answer questions such as how to stimulate wide-ranging social service motivation, which stimulation mechanisms are more effective, and the cross-group stability of stimulation effects, making it difficult to effectively provide reference for diverse governance practices. In response to the limitations of existing research, this paper conducts theoretical and operational optimization on the classic public service motivation research of Mogens Pedersen, adds new stimulation mechanisms and comparative designs, and replicates and tests the classic research findings based on a nationally representative sample of subjects. The experimental results of this paper show that the policy impact mechanism, which was not included in Pedersen's research, has the best stimulation effect and is significantly better than the altruistic and self-value mechanisms. Regarding stability, collectivism and self-value mechanisms show smaller cross-group differences. In terms of the conditional factors of the stimulation mechanism effect, gender and age factors have an impact that goes beyond social and economic variables such as family income and education level. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Performance Information, Government Hierarchy, and Budget Allocation Logic: Empirical Evidence from the Budget Fund Allocation of Secondary Vocational Schools in Z Province HUANG Zhixiong, FENG Yichen Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 140-.   Abstract （188）      PDF（pc） （1540KB）（387）       Knowledge map    Save Budget Performance Management, as a new field in the modernization of China's governance capabilities in financial governance, is an important component in building a modern fiscal system in the new era. This paper takes the 2021 educational budget fund allocation results of secondary vocational schools in Z Province as a research sample to explore the mechanism of performance information in local government budget decision-making in China, and examines the extent to which different levels of government utilize performance information. The empirical results show: (1) The budget decision-making logic of performance information is consistent with the dialogue theory. That is, performance information can influence government budget decisions, but it is not the only source of information. (2) There is a clear heterogeneity in the use of performance information by different levels of government: compared to district and county governments, the provincial government's use of performance information is more in-depth. That is, the higher the level of government, the more it prefers to use performance information to address the information asymmetry problem in budget allocation, and to exert the reward and punishment function of performance budgeting; whereas grassroots governments are more inclined to balance and compensate for shortcomings, and the concept of performance budget decision-making has not been realized. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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How Internet Use Affects Hierarchical Political Trust pattern?—Empirical analysis based on CSS2021 data ZHAN Shaowen, WANG Yizhong, YANG Yi Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 87-.   Abstract （183）      PDF（pc） （1447KB）（197）       Knowledge map    Save The poorly ordered structure of "strong central government and weak local government" is a typical feature of civic government trust in China. Empirical evidence on whether and how Internet use, as an important way of shaping citizen government trust, affects differential government trust is scarce. Therefore, this paper empirically analyzes the data from the 2021 Comprehensive Survey of Social Conditions in China and finds that, after effectively dealing with endogeneity issues, Internet use strengthens poorly-ordered government trust, which is mainly achieved by increasing central government trust and decreasing local government trust, and the conclusion still holds when we use the robustness test by changing the measurement criteria, the propensity score matching method, and entropy equilibrium method. The results of mechanism analysis show that Internet use significantly reduces local government performance evaluation and weakens authoritarian values, which to some extent validates the explanatory logic of both institutional and cultural paths. The article provides a more effective explanation for the study of the relationship between Internet use and poorly ordered government trust, and offers important policy implications for improving the structure of political trust in the digital age. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Entangled: Organizational Rashomon Effect as a Roadblock to Red Tape Reduction PENG Peiwen, YANG Yi Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 108-.   Abstract （172）      PDF（pc） （1661KB）（365）       Knowledge map    Save Red tape, as burdensome, unnecessary, and ineffective rules, have been studied extensively by scholars and practitioners. The Chinese government has also repeatedly vouched for red tape reduction in its bureaucracy, but to little avail. Based on participant observation, surveys of 103 junior faculties and subsequent deep interviews with 22 faculties and administrators in R University, we examine a tenure review requirement that calls for extensive teaching skill trainings for junior faculties. We find an organizational Rashomon phenomenon among diverse organizational echelons (junior faculties/deans/university administrators) that acts as a roadblock to red tape reduction efforts. Specifically, members at diverse levels perceive whether this rule constitutes red tape differently and such divergence generates a Rashomon phenomenon that makes red tape a permanent feature in the university: organizational members at varied hierarchical levels give contradictory interpretations to how red tape is formed while shirking their responsibilities or acting inconsistently during institutional efforts to cut red tape. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The Impact of Hospital Price and Quality Transparency on The Supply and Demand Sides in Healthcare Market: A Narrative Review#br# CHEN Jinyang, YANG Yiyong Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 67-.   Abstract （167）      PDF（pc） （1551KB）（158）       Knowledge map    Save Healthcare service’s price and quality transparency is an essential way to alleviate information asymmetry between providers and  consumers, which is critical to improve the efficiency of healthcare market. As one of its application forms, hospital ranking program has attracted much attention in recent years. Based on evidence from the main-stream English journals in Health Economics and Health Policy, this study conducted a narrative review to investigate the impact of hospital price and quality transparency on (1) consumer’s healthcare choices and hospital’s market shares, and (2) healthcare quality and hospital’s strategic behavior. This study found that hospital price and quality transparency did not improve patients' choice as theory expected, and therefore failed to significantly change hospital market shares. Hospital quality transparency policy improved hospital’s performance on some specific quality indicators targeted by ranking and rating schemes. However, it did not significantly improve patients' health outcomes and, alternatively, fostered hospital’s strategic behavior. Regulation, competition and reputation are three main channels through which hospital quality transparency could affect care quality. In healthcare sector, non-financial and intrinsic incentives might be more important than financial and extrinsic incentives. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Why Does Safety Regulation Fail？A "Scissors Gap" Model：Tracing the Process of The Collapse of A Self-constructed Building in Changsha City, Hunan Province on April 29, 2022 ZHONG Kaibin SHEN Yuqing Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 101-.   Abstract （163）      PDF（pc） （1535KB）（398）       Knowledge map    Save Safety regulation is one of the important functions of modern government. Since the reform and opening up in 1978, in the process of promoting the construction of a regulatory state, the efforts of Chinese governments at all levels to strengthen safety regulation coexist with the safety regulation quality which is still relatively weak. How to understand the contradiction between the efforts of safety regulation and the weak safety regulation quality? This article constructs a scissors-gap model of regulate quality and risk level to describe the ongoing process of the scissors gap between the supply of safety regulation and the demand for risk governance in the process from routine regulation to campaign-style governance based on the evolution of risk and the adaptability of regulation. The framework regards risk as a dynamic evolution process of accumulation and superposition, and requires the establishment of a suitable dynamic regulatory behavior model. The traditional campaign-style regulation mode can temporarily control risks, but it cannot stably control or reduce risks to a lower level for a long time. There is a scissors gap between the dynamic evolution of risks and regulatory behavior, and various risks and hidden dangers continue to accumulate, which may eventually lead to major accidents when triggered by specific factors. Based on this analytical framework, this article conducted an in-depth case analysis of the "4.29" self-constructed building collapse accident in Changsha, Hunan Province. Using process-tracing methods, the dynamic change of the gap between regulation quality and risk level in the process from routine regulation to campaign-style regulation under the joint action of driving factors, and the process of scissors gap between safety regulation supply and risk management demand forms, have been addressed and verified. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Impact Mechanisms of Low-carbon City Pilot on Urban Sustainable Development from the Perspective of Multi-subject Action LIU Bingsheng, QUAN Lili, XUE Bin Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 135-.   Abstract （160）      PDF（pc） （1531KB）（77）       Knowledge map    Save In order to respond to climate change and fulfill international carbon emission reduction commitments, China has carried out a series of low-carbon city pilot projects since 2010. No literature has yet explored the question of whether the pilot low-carbon city policy can enhance the level of sustainable urban development. To this end, based on the panel data of 289 prefectural-level cities in China, this paper uses the low-carbon city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment to test the impact on the level of sustainable development. Besides, mechanisms of the process are analyzed from the perspective of multiple subjects and the spatial Durbin model is used to verify the spillover effect of policy implementation. The overall regression results show that the low-carbon city pilot policy could significantly promote the sustainable development level of the city. Further analysis reveals that the green technology innovation and the green living standards play an important role between the low-carbon city pilot policy and the level of urban sustainable development. The strength of government environmental regulation also has a significant positive moderating during this process. In addition, there are positive spatial spillover effects and urban heterogeneity of low-carbon pilot policies. These conclusions provide suggestions for promoting the construction of low-carbon cities and enhancing the level of sustainable urban development. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Recruitment, Linking, and Catalysis: Effects of Relationship Capital on the Formation of the Integrated Medical and Endowment Service Cooperation Network#br# NAN Yan, FENG Tieying Public Administration and Policy Review    2024, 13 (6): 82-.   Abstract （151）      PDF（pc） （1515KB）（133）       Knowledge map    Save Multi-entity cooperation in providing integrated medical and endowment service can fully stimulate the potential and vitality of service providers and accelerate resource sharing, and it is the basis of improving the service level and efficiency. Exploring how relationship capital can promote the formation of the service cooperation network for the integrated medical and endowment service is conducive to a deeper understanding of the service cooperation mechanism. It has theoretical value and policy significance for government departments, elderly care institutions, and medical institutions to gather together and promote the formation of a cooperative network. Based on typical cases, this paper uses grounded theory and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to analyze the formation path and specific effects of relationship capital to promote the integrated medical and endowment service cooperation network. It is found that there are multiple concurrent causal relationships between relational capital, situational conditions, trigger conditions, and the results of cooperative network formation. Multiple conditions promote the formation of cooperative networks through the combination and matching of government relational capital configuration, comprehensive relational capital configuration, and non-governmental relational capital configuration, which can produce recruitment effect, link effect, and catalytic effect respectively. From the perspective of expanding cooperative relationships, accumulating social relationship capital, and leveraging superior relationship resources, the dilemma of service cooperation can be overcome. At the same time, this conclusion emphasizes the important role of relationship capital in the field of public service governance in China, expands the research on the antecedent conditions of the public service cooperation network formation, and improves and develops the cooperative governance theory. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Change and Stability: Differentiated Adaptation of Policy Systems Triggered by Crisis Events: Textual Analysis of Provincial Environmental Policies Based on Machine Learning LIAO Yanzhu, MO Guifang Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 39-.   Abstract （151）      PDF（pc） （1966KB）（679）       Knowledge map    Save Policy adjustment in crisis situations involves multidimensional changes in policy system elements.Previous studies have tended to focus on the overall relationship between crises and policy trends, neglecting to observe the fluctuations of policy system elements triggered by crises.This study draws on policy paradigm theory to extract observational elements, selecting environmental emergencies occurring between 2011 and 2020 for empirical research. Utilizing web crawlers to assemble a database of provincial ecological and environmental department policies, and employing supervised machine learning algorithms for automated coding, the study comparing the adjustments of policy system elements between normal and crisis periods based on statistical results. The results demonstrate that crisis events propel more substantial modifications in policy scale and instruments compared to normal conditions, with the magnitude of adjustments escalating in accordance with the severity of the crisis events. Nevertheless, policy objective adaptations predominantly manifest as dynamic fine-tuning of focal tasks, while crisis events do not incite policy objective adjustments surpassing conventional levels. The non-congruent shifts within the policy system can be encapsulated as "differentiated adaptation," underscoring the persistent tension and sequential metamorphosis between "change" and "stability" in policy systems under crisis circumstances. This offers a theoretical foundation for decoding the practicality of policies in effective risk management, and aids policymakers in focusing on balancing endogenous stability with exogenous conflicts, thereby promoting the maintenance of flexible adaptation and robust operation in policy implementation. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The Motivation and Behavior of Cadres’ “Taking Responsibilities and Actions” in Swift Response to Public Complaints and Their Correlation Patterns Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (1): 72-.   Abstract （144）      PDF（pc） （1553KB）（724）       Knowledge map    Save Being able to take responsibilities and actions is a requirement for the political character and job performance of cadres in the new era. It plays a key role in ensuring work effectiveness and governance efficiency in the context of handling public complaints and suggestions. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 cadres in Beijing to extract the types of motivation and dimensions of behavior exhibited in the practices of “taking responsibilities and actions”. The results revealed that the motivations of cadres fell into five categories: pressure-driven, instrumental-driven, identification-based, mission-oriented, and immersive-oriented. These motivations formed a sequence of progressively increasing autonomy. The behaviors driven by these motivations encompassed four dimensions: work positioning, work style, work methods, and work innovation. Each dimension involved actions at two construal levels: high and low. Furthermore, as the motivations transitioned from controlled to autonomous, cadres exhibited a shift in their actions from low to high construal levels across all four behavioral dimensions. This study provides a refined understanding of motivation types and behavior dimensions related to “taking responsibilities and actions”, highlighting their interrelationship and offering valuable insights for the future cultivation and selection of cadres. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Innovation Break: The Mechanism of "Pseudo Innovation" from the Perspective of Innovation Process: Taking the Innovation of L District Community Council as a Case Study WANG Han, ZHU Jiangang Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 26-.   Abstract （131）      PDF（pc） （1546KB）（182）       Knowledge map    Save At present, there is a dilemma of frequent occurrence of pseudo innovation in grassroots governance innovation, and clarifying the mechanism of pseudo innovation is the key to breaking through the situation. The article focuses on grassroots governance innovation under the type of block and block pairing, taking the governance innovation of L district community residents meeting as a case study, and demonstrating the mechanism of "pseudo innovation" through document archives and interview data. The occurrence of "pseudo innovation" is often a product of the combination of several stage deviations. The mechanism chain of "institutional environment - Tiao-kuai organization - innovation entrepreneur - innovation strategy" exhibits dynamic differences at different stages of the innovation process. The innovation fracture path demonstrates how grassroots governance innovation has transformed from true innovation to pseudo innovation: even though grassroots governance innovation can avoid stage deviations in the early stage, key node events lead to changes in the mechanism of innovation strategy action, resulting in the emergence of stage deviations. The innovative break mechanism integrates process factors and structural factors, which helps to promote the development of innovative theories in grassroots governance. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Control and Competition: Quotas Governance Logic and Empirical Testing of Work Safety Target Assessment WANG Fanfan, GUAN Bing Public Administration and Policy Review    2025, 14 (2): 117-.   Abstract （106）      PDF（pc） （1679KB）（92）       Knowledge map    Save Understanding the operational logic of target assessment is crucial for enhancing work safety practices. Despite the widely recognized effectiveness of work safety target assessments, their operational mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored and lack empirical substantiation. This paper begins with an examination of the foundational principles of target assessment design, proposing that control and competition serve as the explanatory framework for governing the logic behind work safety target assessment quotas. Based on data from work safety quotas across 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in mainland China, and complemented by macroeconomic data and individual characteristics of party and government leaders, this study concludes that target assessments structured around quotas control and competition substantially enhance the governance effectiveness of work safety. The interaction between control and competition in quotas management yields a notable substitution effect. The results of heterogeneity analysis indicate that political cycles and officials in critical promotion periods enhance the positive impact of quotas competition on the effectiveness of work safety governance. However, their influence on the relationship between governance control and work safety effectiveness is comparatively limited. Meanwhile, the method of underground coal mining amplifies the beneficial impacts of quotas control and competition on the effectiveness of work safety governance. This paper extends the theoretical framework of target assessment operations through the lens of quotas governance and offers empirical evidence supporting the governance logic of work safety target assessment quotas. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）