Politicization of Bureaucracy

Abstract

This encyclopedia article distinguishes two distinct phenomena labeled politicization of the bureaucracy. Institutional politicization represents an attempt by political principals to control the agency, while behavioral politicization refers to agencies being responsive to politicians or the electorate. Although politicization is often criticized, it has various consequences, some of them positive. So, a generalized claim about the benefits and drawbacks about politicization of the bureaucracy cannot be made.