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An Examination of Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Discretion and the Moderating Role of Supervisory Support: Evidence from the Field

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammed Salah Hassan

    (Department of Administrative Studies and Politics, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Raja Noriza Raja Ariffin

    (Department of Administrative Studies and Politics, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Norma Mansor

    (Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Hussam Al Halbusi

    (Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between the discretion of street-level bureaucrats and their willingness to implement as well as between discretion and client meaningfulness by testing street-level bureaucrat theory in a different context. The effect of discretion on willingness to implement and client meaningfulness may differ due to perceived supervisory support. Data from 241 bureaucrats (labor inspectors) in the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources indicated that discretion significantly influences bureaucrats’ willingness to implement and client meaningfulness. Critically, the moderating role of perceived supervisory support augmented only the positive impact of discretion on client meaningfulness; for example, this relationship is more significant among bureaucrats who perceive high supervisory support. This study sheds new light on the notable role of supervisory support in ensuring that discretion enhances client meaningfulness and willingness to implement.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed Salah Hassan & Raja Noriza Raja Ariffin & Norma Mansor & Hussam Al Halbusi, 2021. "An Examination of Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Discretion and the Moderating Role of Supervisory Support: Evidence from the Field," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:11:y:2021:i:3:p:65-:d:585908
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Peter J. May, 1999. "Fostering Policy Learning: A Challenge for Public Administration," International Review of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 21-31, June.
    4. Lars Tummers & Victor Bekkers, 2014. "Policy Implementation, Street-level Bureaucracy, and the Importance of Discretion," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(4), pages 527-547, May.
    5. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226316529 is not listed on IDEAS
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