Discretion and its effects: analyzing the role of street-level bureaucrats’ enforcement styles

ABSTRACT This research examines the intricacies of street-level bureaucracy, focusing on how bureaucrats’ discretionary powers affect their enforcement strategies during face-to-face interactions with clients. The study constructs an in-depth theoretical framework that blends elements from street-level bureaucracy theory and implementation studies. Structural equation modeling reveals a significant positive correlation between bureaucratic discretion and the perceived meaningfulness to clients, highlighting the roles of facilitation and accommodation enforcement style in determining enforcement approaches. However, the legalistic enforcement approach tends to create adverse impressions among clients and confines the decision-making capabilities of bureaucrats. The findings shed new light on street-level bureaucrats’ complex enforcement styles and behaviors, underscoring the critical interplay between their perceptions and enforcement methods in shaping their approach to policy implementation and public engagement. The study concludes by discussing these findings’ theoretical and practical implications, thereby enriching the conversation surrounding public administration theories and personnel management within public sector institutions.