A study of the consequences of statute-derived policy instrument variables on program implementation.

摘要

This study describes the relationship between policy instruments and program implementation. Policy instruments are defined as mechanisms that translate substantive policy goals into concrete actions. The generic classes include inducements, capacity building, mandates and system-change.; The study had intended to construct a typology to assess the implementability of adult literacy legislation introduced in the 100th Congress. However, this typology could not be constructed for two principal reasons. First, although policy instruments represent an important determinant of a program's subsequent implementation, their precise relationship could not be determined. Second, even though over 200 statute-derived factors related to implementation were identified from a review of the literature, it was not possible to identify the universe of dimensions that affect successful implementation.; As such, a framework of the statute derived attributes associated with program implementation was developed. It consists of six clusters of variables: context of the intervention, primary elements, resources, consequences, monitoring system, and performance measures. The implications for each class of policy instrument were explored. An appendix describes key policy instrument variables which contribute toward the implementation of adult literacy legislation.; Study of policy instruments provides a parsimonious framework to consider alternatives available to accomplish policy goals. It also links the stages of the policy process. However, increased knowledge of the characteristics and effects of policy instruments, as well as the tradeoffs inherent in their selection, is needed before this mode of inquiry can lead to a better understanding of ways to design more implementable statutes.