The UK BSE crisis as a failure of government

Authors: Gerodimos, R.

Journal: Public Administration

Volume: 82

Issue: 4

Pages: 911-929

ISSN: 0033-3298

DOI: 10.1111/j.0033-3298.2004.00424.x

Abstract:

This paper uses the BSE ('mad cow disease') crisis as a case study of the workings of the British core executive during a crisis event. Using the evidence from the Philips Inquiry, which reported on the BSE/vCJD crisis in 2000, the study analyses the patterns of decision making and the structures of institutional and resource dependence. It concludes that the lack of co-ordination between and within institutions and what was acknowledged to be the mismanagement of expert advice raise serious questions about the executive's ability to manage serious crises. The findings concur with scholarship indicating executive fragmentation and lack of accountability. Consecutive British governments have sought to diminish the centre's responsibility for managing public policy without putting an effective alternative mechanism in place. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2004.

Source: Scopus

The UK BSE crisis as a failure of government

Authors: Gerodimos, R.

Journal: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Volume: 82

Issue: 4

Pages: 911-929

eISSN: 1467-9299

ISSN: 0033-3298

DOI: 10.1111/j.0033-3298.2004.00424.x

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

The UK BSE crisis as a failure of government

Authors: Gerodimos, R.

Journal: Public Administration

Volume: 82

Pages: 911-929

ISSN: 0033-3298

DOI: 10.1111/j.0033-3298.2004.00424.x

Abstract:

This paper uses the BSE (‘mad cow disease’) crisis as a case study of the workings of the British core executive during a crisis event. Using the evidence from the Philips Inquiry, which reported on the BSE/vCJD crisis in 2000, the study analyses the patterns of decision making and the structures of institutional and resource dependence.

It concludes that the lack of co-ordination between and within institutions and what was acknowledged to be the mismanagement of expert advice raise serious questions about the executive’s ability to manage serious crises. The findings concur with scholarship indicating executive fragmentation and lack of accountability.

Consecutive British governments have sought to diminish the centre’s responsibility for managing public policy without putting an effective alternative mechanism in place.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.0033-3298.2004.00424.x

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Roman Gerodimos