Policy Analysis of Instrument Design: How Policy Design Affects Policy Constituency

Curley, C., Feiock, R., & K. Yu (2020). Policy Analysis of Instrument Design: How Policy Design Affects Policy Constituency. Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice. DOI: 10.1080/13876988.2020.1749517.

ABSTRACT: This research investigates the extent to which the design of different policy instruments directed towards the same goal shape the constituencies of residents that participate in the program, and discusses the implications of these relationships for policy making and policy design. The theoretical focus is on the constituencies of policy takers that respond to differing policy designs. Based on this framing, participation in energy efficiency programs is empirically estimated, including loan, rebate, and audit, in Tallahassee, Florida, at the household level. Examining community characteristics such as racial, economic and demographic characteristics of residents, the study identifies systematic differences in participation across these policy instruments. In conclusion, the article discusses how the characteristics of potential policy takers might align with policy makers’ motivations to shape instrument design.

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