Policy Reform As Collective Action

Author/Editor:

Omotunde E. G. Johnson

Publication Date:

December 1, 1997

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

A government desiring support for its policy reform program, without coercion, behaves as if it faces a political constraint. Citizen support depends on the estimate, by at least some minimum proportion of the population, that the program will succeed and the outcome will be in their individual self-interest. Government behavior has implications for the program, whose contents constitute the set of signals used by citizens to estimate the probability that the program will succeed. The government uses various devices to mobilize support for its program. An informed expert could design a program acceptable to both the government and the citizens.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1997/163

Subject:

Population and demographics

English

Publication Date:

December 1, 1997

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451980608/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1631997

Pages:

28

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