Examining discretion in the administration of workforce development programs

This study examines the availability and utilization of discretion in the context of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This study contributes to the literature on implementation analysis and practice by examining how the available discretion is being utilized at the state and local levels in the implementation of workforce development programs.;In addition to governance and administrative responsibilities, the state has a strong role under WIA for setting policies including the design of programs and services. One of the goals of the study is to ascertain how workforce development programs are designed to work and to study how they are perceived to be working. The organizational structural design of programs and workforce development implementation strategies in Illinois are examined. In-depth interviews are conducted with state and local officials in Illinois to ascertain from individuals their perceived impacts of having (or not having) discretion in the administration of programs and services.;This research focuses on discretion in the administration of federal policies and expands workforce development research. Providing universal access as directed by WIA---Title I while balancing the costs of maintaining programs and services is challenging and difficult for states and local areas. The results of the study indicate that the perspectives from administrators at the state and local levels vary as to the effectiveness of programs and services. The interview data suggest that while utilizing the flexibility provided in federal legislation, some of the statewide initiatives in Illinois have resulted in strained relationships between state and local administrators.;The lack of available discretion at the state and locals levels is creating difficulties in the delivery of workforce programs and services. As states utilize the flexibility available to integrate programs and services to meet challenges such as a declining economy, the designated local workforce areas may conflict with other economic initiatives. A timely mechanism for realigning local workforce development areas with other state and local initiatives is lacking in WIA---Title I.