The administration of participation : British Columbia's "New Directions" policy story
Date
1997
Authors
Cameron, Nancy Kathleen
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Abstract
The rational approach to policy-making represents an alternative to politics by offering solutions to complex public issues based on calculated costs and benefits. This instrumental view excludes the knowledge and experience of all but a small group of policy decision makers. In contrast, a participatory approach incorporates broad-based participation and shared a decision-making power. Because this model recognizes multiple perspectives, policy decisions are better informed and therefore more effective. However, recent health reform initiatives in British Columbia show how certain participatory elements are strategically included in the "administration of participation." The central thesis of this study is that policy reform is not possible if the balance of decision-making power does not change. How open, inclusive, and innovative the policy process is depends on connecting active political participation and the redistribution of political power.