The Bright Side of Recurrent Reorganisations – Increased Coordination, New Policy Tools and Bottom-up Agenda Setting: The Case of Recurrent Ministerial Transfers of the Integration Field in Norway
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58235/sjpa.59583Keywords:
ministerial structure, recurrent reorganisations, integration governance, horisontal organisation, machinery of governmentAbstract
Over the past 20 years, the Norwegian department responsible for immigrant integration has been relocated seven times within the ministerial structure. Yet we know little about how such organisational changes impact policy development, whether recurrent changes produce specific effects, and the role of organisational culture in the processes. The article explores how changes in organisational structure affect three mechanisms in the political process: 1) agenda-setting, 2) policy instruments, and 3) coordination. We find that the main goals for integration have remained stable, but the ministerial affiliation and frequent shifts have influenced the use of policy instruments and interorganisational coordination. Contrary to theoretical expectations of negative effects and resistance to recurrent reorganisations, we find an organisational culture that accepts, nurtures and exploits the opportunities these changes bring about, including greater interorganisational coordination, utilisation of different sectoral toolboxes, and the possibility of putting integration on the agenda in new ministries.
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