Theory and Practice of Power in the Organization of Estimates Formulation in New Zealand 1975 - 1984

Abstract

Generally this thesis is an attempt to examine theory and practice in modes of functioning within central government organizations. Empirically the thesis has concentrated on resource allocation process within New Zealand Government Executive. For the purpose of developing arguments and exploring the process the thesis has employed four perspectives drawn from descriptions of organizational behaviour. They are: Weber's ideal type bureaucracy, Westminster constitutional theory on the mode of functioning within the executive, the informal organization model, and the incremental model. Findings from the present study on the resource allocation process have been compared with these four perspectives. It has been found that the Estimates formulation process within the executive organ of the Government of New Zealand, during the period under study, i.e. from 1975 to mid-1984, corroborated Weber's analysis of modes of functioning within organizations: The major part of the Estimates formulation process conformed to the bureaucratic mode and the rest to the charismatic mode. It has been found that, during the period under study, a set of rules and hierarchy did exist in the area of Estimates formulation and was heeded by the actors in the process. Conflict and bargaining did occur but they were of operational and not of structural variety. The structure of domination was conscientiously obeyed. It has been concluded that the convention of ministerial responsibility in the sense of ministers having authority over officials was not a fiction. It has also been concluded that the New Zealand variety of the Westminster style, during the period under study, was a government of cabinet and not of ministers nor of cabinet committees. Cabinet retained authority although considerable discretion was left to some cabinet committees. Ministers and cabinet committees worked largely in accordance with the system established by cabinet.