The Case Against Bureaucratic Discretion

Description

This book explores contemporary and historical examples of bureaucratic discretion to describe a continuum of resistance to authoritative directives by hierarchical superiors. Resistance ranges from blind obedience or complete nonresistance to street-level opposition; in between these extremes, however, are minimal compliance and resistance sanctioned by immediate superiors. Although politicians may pass legislation, the subject of bureaucratic implementation or lack thereof remains an area of vital concern. Grounded in administrative theory (beginning with Woodrow Wilson’s seminal discussion of the virtue of adopting a businesslike approach to American governing) and emphasizing the power of street-level bureaucrats, the aim of this book is to expand awareness of the potentially dangerous power of insulated bureaucrats. Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Front Matter ....Pages 1-1 Theoretical Grounding of Bureaucratic Ethics (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 3-36 Theoretical Grounding of Democratic Accountability (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 37-66 Checks on Bureaucracy, Organizational Accountability, and Organizational Culture (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 67-100 Front Matter ....Pages 101-101 Discretion and Local Policy: Local Law Enforcement (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 103-133 Discretion and National Policy: National Law Enforcement and Veterans Affairs Abuses (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 135-166 Discretion and Foreign Policy (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 167-198 Front Matter ....Pages 199-199 Conclusions (Steven G. Koven)....Pages 201-221 Back Matter ....Pages 223-238