Administrative feasibility

Definition

Administrative feasibility refers to the practical capability of an organization or government to implement a policy effectively, considering available resources, personnel, and existing administrative structures. This concept highlights the importance of assessing whether an agency can realistically execute a policy alternative based on its operational constraints and capacities, as well as the potential impact on stakeholders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Administrative feasibility involves evaluating not only the resources needed but also the skills and capacities of personnel required to execute a policy.
2. A policy alternative may be deemed administratively feasible if it can be implemented within existing legal frameworks and agency missions.
3. Challenges such as bureaucratic resistance, lack of training, or insufficient funding can significantly affect administrative feasibility.
4. Assessing administrative feasibility helps policymakers prioritize alternatives that are more likely to succeed and avoid those that may lead to implementation failure.
5. Effective communication among stakeholders can enhance administrative feasibility by ensuring everyone is aligned on goals and methods for implementation.

Review Questions

• How does administrative feasibility impact the selection of policy alternatives during the evaluation process?
  • Administrative feasibility plays a critical role in the selection of policy alternatives because it directly influences whether a proposed solution can be realistically executed. Policymakers must consider whether the necessary resources, personnel, and systems are in place to implement each alternative effectively. If an alternative lacks administrative feasibility, it may lead to implementation challenges or outright failure, making it less likely to be chosen in favor of more practical options.
• Discuss how assessing administrative feasibility can improve stakeholder engagement in the policy-making process.
  • Assessing administrative feasibility can significantly enhance stakeholder engagement by ensuring that their needs and capacities are considered before implementing policies. When stakeholders are involved in evaluating what is realistically achievable within current administrative structures, they are more likely to support alternatives that are feasible. Furthermore, this collaborative approach fosters transparency and builds trust, as stakeholders feel their input is valued in shaping policies that will affect them.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of neglecting administrative feasibility when generating and selecting policy alternatives.
  • Neglecting administrative feasibility when generating and selecting policy alternatives can lead to severe long-term consequences, including wasted resources, public disillusionment, and decreased trust in government institutions. Policies that are not feasible may face significant implementation challenges or fail altogether, resulting in a loss of credibility for policymakers. Additionally, continuous failure to deliver on policies can foster cynicism among stakeholders and diminish their willingness to engage in future policy processes, ultimately undermining effective governance.

Related terms

Policy Implementation: The process of putting a policy decision into action through various means such as regulations, programs, or services.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: A systematic approach to estimating the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives in order to determine the best option by comparing costs and benefits.

Stakeholder Engagement: The practice of involving individuals or groups who are affected by or have an interest in a policy decision throughout the policy-making process.