EXECUTIVE POLICY-MAKING AUTHORITY AND USING ZERO-BASE BUDGETING FOR ALLOCATING RESOURCES

The objective of this article is to examine how executive policy‐making authority is affected by allocating public resources via zero‐base budgeting (ZBB). After reviewing the concept and rationale of ZBB, the article compares incremental policy‐making with scientific policy‐making. This review and comparison are then used to draw implications of using ZBB. Ultimately the article argues that ZBB will result in greater policy‐making authority in the hands of senior management of the executive branch at the expense of the legislative agencies and bureaus. Thus, government's responsiveness toward the particularistic interests of individuals and groups will be reduced as a result of using ZBB. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved