Shifting Strategies: The Politics of Radical Change in Provincial Development Policy in China

Abstract

Why do provincial governments change policy, even when those policies have proven successful? This paper explores a debate regarding the determinants of provincial policy choice and the degree of discretion provinces are permitted in this area. It does so by scrutinizing the shift in Guizhou's development policy from a poverty reduction orientation to a wholehearted pursuit of economic growth, urbanization and industrialization. In contrast to those who argue that central experience, prospects for promotion or local conditions are key factors explaining policy choice, the paper concludes that Guizhou's shift in policy had more to do with the backgrounds and experiences of top provincial leaders. The result has implications for our understanding of central–local relations and local government decision making.

Do Confucian values and working experience matter? The impact of provincial governors’ characteristics on the management level of major road accidents in China

“…Local governments are held accountable for initiating and coordinating reforms, enacting and enforcing laws, setting performance targets, and providing public goods and services within their jurisdictions (Cheng et al., 2022; Ma, 2016). The experiences and backgrounds of provincial leaders are key factors leading to the provincial shift in policy (Donaldson & Yang, 2022). Although the party secretaries outrank the governors, the governors have executive power and make critical decisions regarding economic development and social management (H. Hou & Li, 2022; Li & Zhou, 2005), which has impact on regional road safety.…”

“…Thus, this study establishes the connection between governors’ characteristics and the MLMRA. Furthermore, given the significance of working experience highlighted in existing studies and the high turnover of provincial leaders among provinces and transfers between central and subnational governments in China, their tenure as a reflection of experience and their working experience in the central department as a social capital both deserve more academic attention (Donaldson & Yang, 2022; Eaton & Kostka, 2014; Shi et al., 2021; Zhang & Gao, 2008).…”