Innovation Session:
Policy, Personnel, and the Administrative Presidency
Friday, November 9, 2018: 1:30 PM-2:15 PM
Atrium - Exhibit Level (Marriott Wardman Park)
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
Participants: Gbemende Johnson1, Lael Keiser2, Jaime Kucinskas1 and William Resh3, (1)Hamilton College(2)University of Missouri(3)University of Southern California
Description of Research: Participation:Empirical examination of the rulemaking process can provide important insight into how the presence of political appointees affect public and stakeholder participation in the rulemaking process. Broad participation provides important information regarding the impact of proposed rules. However, reduced participation opportunities can lead to the exclusion of information that may be valuable to policymakers. Scholars have argued that political appointees can help democratize the federal bureaucracy; however, this discussion will provide empirical information regarding how appointees influence the participation process and whether policy leaders should provide greater guidance when agencies structure the notice and comment process. Appointee & Careerists Relationships: The different profiles and experiences of appointees and careerists can sometimes lead to tensions in the course of implementing policy. Bureaucratic organization and hierarchy can also hinder effective communication. Examining the communication processes between political appointees and careerists, and the varied ways in which both groups respond to incoming directives can help in the development of procedures, mechanisms, and structures that facilitate effective discussion among administrative personnel and, when necessary, consensus among those personnel with diverse preferences.
