@inproceedings{01H5A05G1T3BM91832D0WRKW23,
  abstract     = {{This paper deals with politico-administrative relations in city organizations, in confrontation with complex policy issues that require a degree of integrated policy making. Doing so, we approach politico-administrative relations in a holistic way, as since the dominant models in the literature were formulated, the way we look at governments has also changed from an internal bilateral focus, gradually allowing for more complexity. Market and private sector principles have been introduced, a multi-actor perspective was adopted, with more attention for external environment and governance in networks. Moreover, city organizations are increasingly seen as the solution to complex problems in society, as a consequence they are urged to engage with these cross-cutting policy issues in an integrated way. Thus, we take the institutional context into account, with respect for the complex and dynamic environment in which contemporary policy making in city organizations takes place. This includes the specificities of the local level. In this setting, it is recognized that complex societal problems require some level of policy integration, however, severe barriers for integration continue to exist.
This study zooms in on this focal point, where vertical politico-administrative relations and the need for horizontal coordination come together. The research question of the study is: “Which perspectives do top local politicians and civil servants hold regarding politico-administrative barriers impeding policy integration?”. We have set out to shed light on which significant perspectives exist among top politicians and civil servants regarding these barriers, as this information will be crucial for facilitating integrated policy making in the future. We made use of Q-methodology and presented respondents with one of two scenarios, related to the issues of sustainable mobility and social deprivation. The result of the Q-analysis has led to 3 factors, representing 3 perspectives on barriers for integrated policy making. The dominant perspective points towards administrative rigidity while facing multi-level governance. Perspective B highlights political stress as a major barrier for integrated policy making. Perspective C identifies politico-administrative tensions and the role of the administrative center as the main barrier. Moreover, 4 consensus statements were found among the characterizing statements, meaning all perspectives agree on these issues. By focusing on the local level while adopting a holistic approach to politico-administrative relations, we aim to fill a gap in the policy integration literature. Regarding the concept “integrated policy making” we adopt a processual approach, meaning we see it as a dynamic process, rather than an outcome. As a consequence, the results of this study may increase our understanding about policy integration and coordination and can prove particularly valuable for practitioners and policy makers when considering policy design.

Key words: Integrated policy making; Politico-administrative relations; Barriers; Q-methodology}},
  author       = {{De Wulf, Nicolai and Voets, Joris and Molenveld, Astrid}},
  booktitle    = {{EGPA 2022, Public Administration for the Sustainable Future of our Societies, Proceedings}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Lisbon, Portugal}},
  pages        = {{20}},
  title        = {{Policy making at the local level : an analysis of perspectives on barriers for policy integration}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}