A conceptual framework for analyzing bureaucratic politics and autonomy

Although many scholars recognize that bureaucracy plays a fundamental role in governing, few have systematically examined how agencies use their resources to achieve their goals. The conflicts inherent in the use of the term "bureaucratic power" to describe an agency's ability to accomplish its objectives is one reason for this deficiency. I suggest, based on the work of several scholars, that the concept of agency autonomy is a better mechanism for explaining bureaucratic behavior. In this paper, I develop a conceptual framework of bureaucratic politics and autonomy. The conceptual framework is composed of two independent variables--expertise and constituency support-plus two intervening variables--organizational vitality and leadership. I define the dependent variable, autonomy, and present indicators. Finally, I discuss each variable and propose hypotheses.