Comparing the Effects of Changes in Performance Incentives and Implementation Activities on Policy Outcomes: Evidence from Air Pollution Emissions in China

Abstract

In theory, performance rewards motivate agents to undertake activities intended to generate desired policy outcomes, especially in an authoritarian regime. This study examines implementation activities before and after the introduction of performance incentives in China. Using two measures of province-level emissions of sulfur dioxide (satellite observation and official report) from 2005 through 2010, the analysis shows weak evidence directly linking emissions reductions to implementation activities and the inception of performance incentives. The link is more observable using official data. The results suggest that, even in a centrally controlled institution, performance incentives may not be as effective as expected.

Keywords:

• comparative policy implementation
• policy outcome
• performance incentive
• air pollution
• China

Notes

1. This study focuses on subnational governments that are governed by the regular political, legal, and administrative systems in the People’s Republic of China. We exclude Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan for two reasons. First, Hong Kong and Macau are two special administrative regions, which are governed by their respective Basic Law of Special Administrative Region (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/). Second, since 1949, there has been a sovereignty dispute between Taiwan’s de facto government (claimed as the Republic of China) and the mainland government (the People’s Republic of China) (https://www.brookings.edu/research/biding-time-the-challenge-of-taiwans-international-status/).

2. http://www.temis.nl/globemission/

3. For details, see http://www.temis.nl/globemission/region_asia/docs/Summary_emission_estimates_for_SO2.pdf

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Langbein

Laura Langbein is a Professor of Policy Analysis in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at American University. Her textbook, Program Evaluation: A Statistical Guide (2^nd ed), was published by ME Sharpe in 2012. Her most recent publications appear in Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, Public Administration, and International Public Management Journal.

Jiaqi Liang

Jiaqi Liang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research encompasses public management, bureaucratic politics, policy process, diversity and social equity, environmental policy, and comparative public administration.

Michaela Buenemann

Michaela Buenemann is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at New Mexico State University. Her major research interests include socio-ecological systems, geographic information science, and drylands.