Organizational and Individual Factors of Evidence Informed Policy Making in Public Organizations

Abstract

Understanding the use of evidence by public organizations and public officials is a key issue for public administration scholars and practitioners. In this study, we examine how individual- and organizational-level factors relate to evidence informed policy making. Using the Norm of Evidence and Research in Decision-making (NERD), we conduct an online survey to analyze evidence informed policy making perceptions of public officials (n = 438) holding policy responsibilities within the Flemish (Belgian) government. The results highlight the importance of a rational, results- and production-oriented organizational culture, adequate access to information, sufficient time, and appropriate personnel. At the individual level, person-organization fit and public sector experience are associated with evidence use. Enhancing our knowledge of these organizational and individual factors is crucial for advancing the theory and practice of evidence informed policy making in public organizations.