Comprehensive Administrative Reform Implementation: Moving beyond Single Issue Implementation Research

Abstract

Much can be learned about administrative change and implementation if the interactions-more specifically the synergy, tradeoff, or avoidance among reform proposals - are examined. If seen in their institutional context, these interactions are an important element in reform implementation success or failure. The Florida experience with comprehensive reform has provided a unique opportunity to explore this issue. We found that interactions are important for implementation success because of the consequences of interactions for claims on limited implementation resources. This case suggests that all elements of the implementation model, including policy interactions, are dynamic. Time allows synergistic learning, and reduction of ambiguity and conflict. The failure or success of other reform initiates informs the process and defines both costs and the likelihood of implementation success.