Research and Impact

In this column Jim Landers discusses the complexities and challenges of estimating the fiscal impacts of tax incentive programs.

Jos Raadschelders and his colleague examine the principle of merit in the U.S. civil service, highlighting the tensions between political accountability and bureaucratic independence that place career public servants at the center of today’s democratic challenges.

Erynn Beaton and colleagues challenges the idea of value-free objectivity in public administration research, arguing for greater reflexivity and responsibility to address impacts on marginalized groups and advance social equity.

Neal Hooker investigates the timing, probability and frequency of repeated recalls in the U.S. meat and poultry industry between 2003 and 2019. 

Jos Raadschelders studies the threats to merit-based, apolitical civil service, necessary reforms and risks to democracy.

Stephanie Moulton and colleagues research the association between public benefits and the use of costly credit.

Wendy Xu investigated the effects of the state laws on emergency clinician reimbursements, charges, network participation, and potential surprise billing episodes.

Erynn Beaton and colleagues find that nonprofits serving disadvantaged populations use advocacy tactics at higher rates than other organizations, with effectiveness shaped by tactical repertoires, client participation, funding, and policy context.