Getting People to Behave: Research Lessons for Policy Makers

R. Kent Weaver

doi:10.1111/puar.12412

journal article Jul 14, 2015

Getting People to Behave: Research Lessons for Policy Makers

R. Kent Weaver

Public Administration Review Vol. 75 No. 6 pp. 806-816 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/puar.12412

Abstract

AbstractMany government policies attempt to change the behavior of individuals and businesses. This article argues that policy makers and administrators should (1) think comprehensively about the barriers that may keep target populations from complying with government policies, (2) match policy instruments to the most important barriers that inhibit compliance, and (3) take into account heterogeneity within the target population. Relatively nonintrusive strategies such as social marketing, providing resources to targets to help them comply, and manipulating options and defaults (choice architecture) are politically attractive but unlikely to secure compliance when incentives for noncompliance are high. Based on the three basic principles outlined in the article, the author recommends strategies to increase compliance, including the use of leverage points and secondary targets, adjusting for unanticipated behavioral responses, and employing long‐term, multiphase strategic management of behavior change initiatives.

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References

Details

Published: Jul 14, 2015
Vol/Issue: 75(6)
Pages: 806-816
License: View

Authors

R

R. Kent Weaver

Georgetown University

Cite This Article

R. Kent Weaver (2015). Getting People to Behave: Research Lessons for Policy Makers. Public Administration Review, 75(6), 806-816. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12412

Getting People to Behave: Research Lessons for Policy Makers

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