Abstract The evolving concept of “agile” has fundamentally changed core aspects software design , project management and business operations . agile approach could also reshape government public governance in general In this Viewpoint essay the authors introduce modern movement reflect on how it can benefit administrators describe several challenges that managers will face when they are expected to make their organizations more flexible responsive

We assess Hirschman's theory of exit, voice, and loyalty in the context voluntary exit from organizations public workforce. Specifically, we test effects voice on likelihood a person states their intention to leave. these relationships using data Federal Human Capital Survey. Our statistical analysis provides evidence that perceptions about limit at all levels organizational hierarchy. Yet, dissatisfaction with pay is also substantial cause leave—and this effect greatest for executive-level...

We assess the usefulness of a theory organizations, Resource-Based View, for study public agencies. examine differential impacts an array organizational resources (administrative, human, financial, physical, political, and reputation resources) on core measure federal agency effectiveness. Our analysis shows that certain types have positive effectiveness, such as administrative (number members in top governing structure), personnel (the level professionalization its employees), financial...

I examine how the legislature and president sequentially enable constrain agencies in a tug-of-war over exercise of bureaucratic discretion, partly response to past political interventions. provide evidence from duration analysis U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's enforcement hazard waste law for acceleration deceleration policy implementation sequential interventions by multiple, competing principals. document use agenda-setting solution-forcing statutes Congress case clearance...

Pure incentive schemes rely on the agent's self-interest, rather than more coercive control, to motivate subordinates. Yet most organizations, and in particular public agencies, very little pure contracts instead use mechanisms of monitoring sanctioning that many theorists find objectionable. We principal-agency theory investigate problem. Principal-agency has tacitly assumed throughout it is principal's interests a set incentives induce efficient levels effort from agent. show this not...

We contrast social-structural theories of voting behavior with spatial to explain voter choice in the Netherlands and Great Britain. hypothesize that is best explained by theory voting. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation used estimate multinomial probit (MNP) logit (MNL) models choice, for which we calculate Bayes factors purpose model comparison. find joint social-structural/spatial explanatory Netherlands. Our results indicate MNP outperforms MNL our Dutch sample. In Britain, on...

The canonical principal-agent problem involves a risk-neutral principal who must use incentives to motivate risk-averse agent take costly, unobservable action that improves the principal’s payoff. standard solution requires an inefficient shifting of risk agent. This article, however, summarizes experimental research throws doubt on validity this conclusion. Experimental subjects were routinely able achieve efficiency in effort levels without risk-sharing. These outcomes, while anomalous...

This paper examines contracting between a principal and an agent from the perspective of both social exchange theory rational choice theory. Two experiments were conducted that tested competing predictions two theories. The first study examined effort decisions made by under series contracts varied in context compensation structure. second experiment negotiation scheme agent's subsequent contract fulfillment, to test mediating effects verbal communication parties on fulfillment. Both studies...

Machine learning (ML) methods have gained a great deal of popularity in recent years among public administration scholars and practitioners. These techniques open the door to analysis text, image other types data that allow us test foundational theories develop new theories. Despite excitement surrounding ML methods, clarity regarding their proper use potential pitfalls is lacking. This article attempts fill this gap literature through providing an "guide practice" for Here, we take view...

In contrast to principal-agency theory, the possibility of political control bureaucracy depends on bureaucratic structure. this article, I argue that functional decentralization responsibility and authority for policy formulation implementation involves a net loss control. show choice by Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) transfer its Regional Offices changed ability national superiors intervene in field. Examining Office data enforcement reactor regulations from 1975 1996, present...

Abstract In this paper we offer an approach for conceptualizing and measuring government effectiveness or performance in which the focus is on whole government's effectiveness. We examine data that portray how countries compare terms of perceived using World Bank Governance Indicators dataset, cover 212 from 1996 until 2006. also interpret a new measure accounts economic development each country. argue comparative study (in both multiple measures across countries) benefits public...

We assess the turnover intentions of federal employees using Hirschman's theory exit, voice, and loyalty. Specifically, we follow other studies that have tested effects loyalty voice on likelihood a person states their intention to leave. However, large-scale survey evidence from workforce, are able impact loyalty, factors (including assessments pay) respondent will retire, leave for another agency, or sector. Our statistical analysis provides perceptions about limit exit. Yet, pay vary with...

One consequence of the president's use rhetoric to shape public agenda, media, and congressional attention is less recognized: Presidential shapes priorities administrative agents over whom he seeks managerial control. We present statistical tests power presidential policy signals in case United States Attorneys' implementation federal "War on Drugs." find that shifted composition caseload, although not exclusion other pertinent local, national, internal factors. Yet, consequences for...

Structural choices have fundamental and continuing effects on the democratic responsiveness of public agencies. In contrast to popular accounts United States Attorneys' splendid isolation,1 provide structural evidence routes national political oversight prosecution federal crimes in field. I will examine U.S. data regulatory present statistical tests local justice, lone overhead control prosecutorial behavior. The Attorneys ' reflects internal office factors, but also find a surprising...

We examine the forces for descriptive representation of women in ministerial and subministerial positions. offer a unified model which portfolio allocation makes political more important case lines; contrast, labor market determine extent lines. provide evidence this claim from data 72 countries show that advancement into posts depends on form electoral system presence legislature (conditional being parliamentary system). In supply workforce. Additionally, increased incidence lines is...

The bully pulpit is one of the modern president's most powerful tools-and elusive to measure. Presidential Rhetoric and Public Agenda uses war on drugs as a case study explore whether how public statements affect formation carrying out policy in United States. When June 1971 President Richard M. Nixon initiated drugs, he did so with rhetorical flourish force, setting motion federal that has been largely followed for more than three decades. Using qualitative quantitative measurements, Andrew...

ABSTRACT While collaboration among individuals, work groups, and organizations is central for understanding the performance of public agencies, most studies have focused on between or sectors. We develop a model that focuses two types collaborative behavior: persons (both horizontal vertical) units. empirically test our hypotheses using data perceptions agency from United States federal government. introduce method estimating impact different behavior also accounts nonlinear effects...