Implementation

POSC 315 • Introduction to Public Policy - Part 1

Transforming Policy into Practice

Today's Agenda (Part 1)

• Learning Objectives
• Why Implementation Matters
• 1st Generation: Case Study Foundations
• 2nd Generation: Theory Building
• Case Study: National Speed Limit

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Explain why implementation is critical in the policy cycle
• Differentiate among generations of implementation scholarship
• Analyze real-world examples of policy rollout successes and failures
• Identify strategies to improve implementation outcomes

Why Implementation Matters

The Reality Gap

• Policy → Action gap: legislation alone doesn't change outcomes
• Frontline discretion shapes how rules affect communities
• Opportunity for stakeholder influence & conflict

Implementation is where policy meets reality.

1st Generation: Case Study Foundations

Period: 1960s–70s

Key Works:

• Derthick's New Towns in Town
• Pressman & Wildavsky's Implementation

Focus: Understanding why programs fail

1st Generation Lessons

Key Discoveries

• Executive commitment is vital
• Design must reflect local needs & capacity
• Joint action complexity across agencies creates challenges

These early studies revealed implementation as a distinct field of study.

2nd Generation: Theory Building

Period: 1980s–90s

Characteristics:

• Rise of top-down & bottom-up models
• Sought unified theory
• Over-relied on rationality assumptions

Top-Down Models

Approach

• Hierarchical control → clear goals
• Emphasis on central authority and compliance

Trade-offs

• Pros: Accountability, clear authority
• Cons: Ignores frontline realities, federalism

Bottom-Up Models

Approach

• Begins with street-level implementers and target groups
• Uses Backward Mapping from desired outcomes

Trade-offs

• Pros: Local adaptation, discretion
• Cons: Variable outcomes, power imbalances

Case Study: National Speed Limit (1974–95)

The Policy

• Federal mandate: 55 mph to save fuel & improve safety
• States implemented to avoid funding loss
• Outcomes varied across states
• Repealed amid differing local priorities

The National Maximum Speed Law (NMSL) in 1974

Reflection Questions

1. What made the speed limit policy difficult to implement uniformly?
2. How did federal-state relationships affect outcomes?
3. What does this case teach us about top-down vs. bottom-up approaches?

Part 1 Summary

Key Points:

• Implementation emerged as distinct field in 1960s-70s
• Early case studies revealed complexity of joint action
• 2nd generation developed competing theoretical models
• Top-down vs. bottom-up debate shaped the field

Next: Part 2 - Modern Implementation Theory

Coming up:

• 3rd Generation: Networks & Dialogue
• 4th Generation: Program Focus
• Best Practices & Common Pitfalls
• Practical Applications