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Procedural policy tools in theory and practice
[The stick, the carrot, and other strategies: A theoretical analysis of governmental intervention]

Author

Listed:
  • Azad Singh Bali
  • Michael Howlett
  • Jenny M Lewis
  • M Ramesh

Abstract

Policy tools are a critical part of policy-making, providing the ‘means’ by which policy ‘ends’ are achieved. Knowledge of their different origin, nature and capabilities is vital for understanding policy formulation and decision-making, and they have been the subject of inquiry in many policy-related disciplines and sector-specific studies. Yet many crucial aspects of policy tools remain unexplored. Existing studies on policy tools used in policy formulation tend to focus on ‘substantive’ tools – those used to directly affect policy outcomes such as regulation or subsidies – and largely neglect ‘procedural’ tools used to indirectly but significantly affect policy processes and outcomes. A key aim of this special issue is to fill this knowledge gap in the field. This article introduces the issue by establishing that procedural tools play a more determining role in public policy-making than is generally acknowledged and deserve a more systematic inquiry into their workings, their impact on the policy process and the organization and delivery of public and private goods and services.

Suggested Citation

  • Azad Singh Bali & Michael Howlett & Jenny M Lewis & M Ramesh, 2021. "Procedural policy tools in theory and practice [The stick, the carrot, and other strategies: A theoretical analysis of governmental intervention]," Policy and Society, Darryl S. Jarvis and M. Ramesh, vol. 40(3), pages 295-311.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:polsoc:v:40:y:2021:i:3:p:295-311.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/14494035.2021.1965379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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