Michael Lipsky

Michael Lipsky was a political scientist known for his work on public policy and administration. He introduced the concept of "street-level bureaucrats," referring to officials like police officers, teachers, and social workers who interact directly with the public. Lipsky argued that these front-line workers have significant discretion in how they implement policies, often shaping the outcomes based on their judgments and resources. His ideas highlight the importance of understanding the daily experiences and decision-making of these frontline workers in shaping government services and policy effectiveness.