The Multiple Domains of Harmonisation: Politics, Policy, Process and Program
(2012) 71(3) Australian Journal of Public Administration, 325-342
Monash University Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2013/22
35 Pages Posted: 16 Jul 2013 Last revised: 3 Oct 2013
Date Written: 2012
Abstract
This article builds a taxonomy of the different functions performed by the term ‘harmonisation’ in contemporary policy debates. Four broad functions or domains of use are identified – political, policy, process and program – within each of which there are multiple different uses. Based on this classification, the article then develops a multi-dimensional conceptual framework through which the term can be better understood and examined, its political uses identified and isolated, and harmonisation initiatives constructed, framed and analysed. The framework should prove useful for Ministers and government departments called upon to determine if, how and to what extent to harmonise regulations in a particular area; regulators called upon to administer and enforce harmonised regulatory regimes; and regulatees, practitioners and academics concerned to understand the impact of a harmonisation task.
Keywords: harmonisation, regulation, policy, politics, framework
JEL Classification: H11, F15, H77, G20
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation