Abstract

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Title:: The Interactive Double Layer Decision-Making Model: A Frameworkfor Analyzing China’s Decision-Making Process in the Past Decade

Keywords:: interactive double-layered decision-making process; front stage of policy making; back stage ofpolicy making; interface structure

Abstract:: In the past decade, the interaction between different stake holders has become a key variableinfluencing the process of decision making in China due to the changes in the decision-making environment. Agood case in point is the decision-making process of China’s new health care plan. Through analyzing this case,we found that the policy process in contemporary China is highly interactional in that the government (i.e. thefront-stage player) interacts with the social network (the back-stage player). This type of double-layered policymakingmodel is still very robust in the period of new normal and should be promoted and further developed. Inthe development of this model, we have to pay particular attention to the following three issues: we should bringinto full play the ruling party’s ideological guidance for decision making; create a platform where differentinterest groups can patriciate into making public decision on an equal footing; and ensure the fairness in publicpolicy through fair and just procedures.