Four implementation styles- from a traditional to a managerial method and ideal

What is it about?

We distinguish four different styles of policy implementation. These four styles are connected with different phases in the development of the welfare state. This developmental model is illustrated with an analysis of policy implementation in Dutch public assistance between 1950 and the early 1990s. Traditional implementation is based on custom and traditional authority. It is found in small organization and particularly in the early days of the welfare state. In bureaucratic implementation formal rules and impartiality are most important. A professional implementation style is looking for the best solution or treatment (within the legal framework). This style is typical for professionals such as engineers, doctors, teachers and social workers. A managerial implementation style focusses on efficiency and achieving targets.

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Why is it important?

During the 1970s, the conflicts and discussions about policy implementa- tion were framed within the dominant contradiction of bureaucracy versus professionalism. This contradiction is still relevant to today's implementa- tion of policy. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, this contradiction was overshadowed by the rise of (new) managerialism, which is a break both from the bureaucratic and professional styles of implementation. In contrast to the values and goals of bureaucratism and professionalism, such as justice, loyalty to formal rules, equity and effectiveness, more emphasis is given to efficiency and (financial) costs. In the everyday practice of implementation, the scale increasingly tips in favor of considerations of efficiency.