Executing Public Policy in Chinese Township Governments: An Empirical Analysis From Guizhou Province

Abstract

This study examines and analyzes the influence of policies, implementers, and audiences on the ability of Chinese township governments to implement public policies. It examines the phenomenon of policy deviation in township governments and its underlying causes. Suggestions are made in response to difficulties encountered during the implementation of policies. The study employs a mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. For quantitative analysis, 400 samples were collected from grassroots cadres, staff, people, and social workers in two minority autonomous counties in Guizhou. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean, as well as inferential statistics, such as independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that differences in identity affect policy implementation, executive power, and decision-making. Policy execution capacity, encompassing public policy, implementers, and audiences, significantly influences policy implementation, executive power, and decision-making, with audience factors exhibiting the greatest impact. For qualitative data analysis, 10 communal cadres who have more than 10 years of work experience were interviewed. The results indicate that the orientation of public policy objectives, expected effects, implementation risks, interest groups, resource allocation, coordination mechanisms, implementation supervision, and evaluation feedback isimportant and has a significant impact on public policy implementation capacity. The paper concludes with detailed recommendations for improving the effectiveness of policy implementation.