Work

Toward a framework of ambiguity: a qualitative understanding of healthcare policy design and governance mechanism in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: This study explores the strategic and deliberate usage of ambiguity in Chinese public health policy as a governmental instrument. Methods: By analyzing 128 official public policy documents and 30 participant interviews as primary evidence, this study developed a three-tier coding instrument to capture the underlying categorizations, strategic functions, and behavioral responses. Results and discussion: " being the most predominant, facilitated the diffusion of accountability, the shifting of responsibility, and the flexibility of interpretation. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of public health governance by redefining policy ambiguity as a complex, integrated mechanism of problem-solving that is rooted in the behavioral, institutional, and bureaucratic contexts of public health operations in China, rather than as a systematic failure.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1666193

Authors: Yuanbo Qi, Aijun Hu, Panpan Huang

Institution: Donghua University

Language: English

Topic: Public Policy and Administration Research

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801