ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with empirically assessing and measuring the concept of administrative styles. In view of the concept’s two-layered nature, we suggest concentrating on observable routines in different fields of administrative activity. The measurement scheme we introduce consists of nine indicators, which can each be linked to either a functional or a positional latent orientation. Grouped by the policy cycle stages of policy initiation, policy formulation, and policy implementation, we describe each of these indicators and how it relates to either of the orientations. In terms of methods to detect administrative routines, we briefly discuss ethnographic fieldwork, surveys, and interviews and propose (semi-structured) interviews as the best available method in researching styles. We conclude by highlighting some of the lessons learned and the potential for future research that lies in styles research on the national and subnational level, as well as experimental and ethnographic research on micro-foundations and micro-mechanisms of routines.
