Administrative feasibility

Definition

Administrative feasibility refers to the practicality and ease with which a policy or regulation can be implemented and enforced by government agencies. It encompasses the availability of resources, organizational capacity, and administrative processes necessary for the successful execution of a policy aimed at correcting market failures. Evaluating administrative feasibility helps ensure that proposed interventions are realistic and achievable within the existing bureaucratic framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Administrative feasibility is crucial for evaluating whether government policies can be realistically executed without overwhelming existing administrative structures.
2. Assessing administrative feasibility involves considering factors such as staffing levels, training requirements, and technological capabilities of government agencies.
3. Policies deemed administratively infeasible may face delays or failures in implementation, undermining their intended effects on market failures.
4. Effective communication between policymakers and administrative agencies is key to understanding and enhancing administrative feasibility.
5. Administrative feasibility assessments can also identify potential barriers and areas for improvement in the administrative processes required for policy success.

Review Questions

• How does administrative feasibility impact the development of government policies aimed at addressing market failures?
  • Administrative feasibility plays a vital role in shaping government policies targeting market failures. When policymakers assess the practicality of implementing regulations, they must consider whether agencies have the resources and capacity to enforce these policies effectively. If a proposed policy is not administratively feasible, it may lead to ineffective enforcement or complete failure, ultimately failing to correct the market failure it was designed to address.
• Discuss the relationship between bureaucratic capacity and administrative feasibility in the context of policy implementation.
  • Bureaucratic capacity is directly linked to administrative feasibility since it determines how well government agencies can execute new policies. High bureaucratic capacity means agencies have sufficient staff, training, and resources to implement policies effectively, making them more administratively feasible. Conversely, if an agency lacks these capabilities, it may struggle with implementation, leading to poor outcomes or the abandonment of the policy altogether.
• Evaluate how assessing administrative feasibility can lead to improved outcomes in governmental responses to market failures.
  • Assessing administrative feasibility allows policymakers to identify potential challenges before implementing new regulations or interventions. By understanding what resources are available and what limitations exist within bureaucratic structures, policymakers can design more effective strategies that enhance the likelihood of success. This proactive approach helps ensure that policies are not only theoretically sound but also practically achievable, ultimately leading to better outcomes in addressing market failures.

Related terms

Regulatory Impact Analysis: A systematic approach used to evaluate the anticipated effects of proposed regulations, including their economic, social, and environmental impacts.

Policy Implementation: The process by which government officials put into action laws and regulations that have been enacted, ensuring that intended outcomes are achieved.

Bureaucratic Capacity: The ability of government institutions to effectively implement policies and deliver services, which includes the skills, resources, and processes available.