Wichita Case Study
From: VINESH KUMAR
Date: 13th October, 2008
Subject: In what ways did the Wichita case study illustrate some of the characteristics and dilemmas of modern intergovernmental relations?
Introduction
In many cases intergovernmental intervention is only needed in niche or what Conklin, J. (2001) calls “wicked problems”. The problem of pollution is this case study, can be classed as a “wicked problem’ as it touched upon several arenas and considerations simultaneously required governmental responses that involve multiple jurisdictions and departments for effective resolution.
However several aspects of the landscape of public sector over the twenty first century has changed or evolved that has contributed to the context of intergovernmental relations. According to Radin (2000) there has been a shift from the initial single level of government or a single jurisdiction to multiple levels/ jurisdictions of government involved simultaneously in programs and policies. These multiple levels of involvement are based on collaborative synergies as described by Bardach, (1996) and are limited by technical, legal, bureaucratic and political barriers. However this collaborative synergies or better described as “relations” is based on certain characteristics.
This memo puts forward four of these broad based characteristics; Interdependence, networking, complexity and bargaining & negotiation, as illustrated in the case study.
It also exemplifies the dilemmas associated to the intergovernmental relations as a result of limitations due to barriers illustrated in the case study.
Characteristics and Dilemmas of modern intergovernmental relations
1.0 Interdependence
One of the key characteristics of intergovernmental relations is interdependence. Interdependence as Laurence (2006) describes is whereby the power is shared among the branches and layers of government, even within policy sector, instead of one level consistently controlling decisions about policy ,
Date: 13th October, 2008
Subject: In what ways did the Wichita case study illustrate some of the characteristics and dilemmas of modern intergovernmental relations?
Introduction
In many cases intergovernmental intervention is only needed in niche or what Conklin, J. (2001) calls “wicked problems”. The problem of pollution is this case study, can be classed as a “wicked problem’ as it touched upon several arenas and considerations simultaneously required governmental responses that involve multiple jurisdictions and departments for effective resolution.
However several aspects of the landscape of public sector over the twenty first century has changed or evolved that has contributed to the context of intergovernmental relations. According to Radin (2000) there has been a shift from the initial single level of government or a single jurisdiction to multiple levels/ jurisdictions of government involved simultaneously in programs and policies. These multiple levels of involvement are based on collaborative synergies as described by Bardach, (1996) and are limited by technical, legal, bureaucratic and political barriers. However this collaborative synergies or better described as “relations” is based on certain characteristics.
This memo puts forward four of these broad based characteristics; Interdependence, networking, complexity and bargaining & negotiation, as illustrated in the case study.
It also exemplifies the dilemmas associated to the intergovernmental relations as a result of limitations due to barriers illustrated in the case study.
Characteristics and Dilemmas of modern intergovernmental relations
1.0 Interdependence
One of the key characteristics of intergovernmental relations is interdependence. Interdependence as Laurence (2006) describes is whereby the power is shared among the branches and layers of government, even within policy sector, instead of one level consistently controlling decisions about policy ,
Bibliography: BIBLIOGRAPY Bardach, E., 1996 Brinton Milward, eds., The State of Public Management, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, pp. 168-192. Conklin, J. (2001). “Wicked Problems and Social Complexity.” CogNexus Institute. [Online] Frederickson, George and Kevin Smith. 2003. The Public Administration Theory Primer. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. Chapter 9 “Theories of Governance” Grodzins M., 1960 Laurence J. O 'Toole, Jr., 2006. American Intergovernmental Relations,( 4th Ed) CQ Press, Georgia Laurence O’Toole, Jr. 2007. “Interorganizational Relations in Implementation.” In Handbook of Public Administration, ed. B. Guy Peters and Jon Pierre. Los Angeles: SAGE. Painter M., (2008).Public Sector Reform, Intergovernmental Relations and the Future of Australian Federalism, Australian Journal of Public Policy, vol 57 (3) 52-63 Radin. B, 2007. “The Instruments of Intergovernmental Management.” In Handbook of Public Administration, ed. B. Guy Peters and Jon Pierre. Los Angeles: SAGE.