What does Michael Lipsky mean by the term street level bureaucrat?

What does Michael Lipsky mean by the term street level bureaucrat?

Street-level bureaucrats are “public service workers who interact directly with citizens in the course of their jobs, and who have substantial discreation in the execution of their work” (Lipsky 1980).

What is street level bureaucracy theory?

Street-level bureaucracy (SLB) is a sociological theory that seeks to explain the working practices and beliefs of front-line workers in public services and the ways in which they enact public policy in their routine work.

How do street level bureaucrats make policy?

Street level bureaucrats are policy makers when they interact with clients in providing services and enforcing regulations. Their discretionary power can challenge a state’s normative and moral ideas, as framed in the state’s policies.

What are the salient conditions under which street level bureaucrats work according to Lipsky?

Street-level Bureaucrats are identified as people employed by government who: 1) are constant- ly called upon to interact with citizens in the regu- lar course of their jobs; 2) have significant inde- pendence in job decision-making; and 3) potentially have extensive impact on the lives of their clients.

Are doctors street-level bureaucrats?

Doctors are street-level bureaucrats, making decisions that can have particularly significant effects on vulnerable people.

Are teachers street-level bureaucrats?

Typical street-level bureaucrats are school teachers, social workers, home eldercare providers, health workers, and many other public employees who grant access to government pro- grammes and provide services within them.

What is street level bureaucracy in social work?

Two of those are street level bureaucracy and discretionary power. Lipksy introduced the term street level bureaucrat to refer to all those government officials (and those from public services) who are in daily contact with citizens and have a relatively high impact on their lives.

What is the meaning of street level?

: at the same level as the street Our apartment is at street level.

Who do street-level bureaucrats work with?

Street-Level Bureaucrats in Perspective. “Street-level bureaucrats” are public service workers “who interact directly with citizens in the course of their jobs, and who have substantial discretion in the execution of their work.” (Lipsky, 1980/2010, p. 3).

How are social workers street-level bureaucrats?

Social workers are street-level bureaucrats whose professional routine has been strongly influenced by this neoliberal ideology (Anonymous). The withdrawal of the welfare state has also led to increased hardship among disadvantaged populations that has translated into direct pressure on public social service providers.

Are social workers street-level bureaucrats?

Are street-level bureaucrats compelled or enticed to cope?

Once cross-pressure occurs, street-level bureaucrats of all sectors are compelled to adopt coping strategies to secure a fair and manageable workload.