Maximising bureaucratic justice and its benefits

Millions of people go through frontline public service processes every day. Whether people perceive these processes as fair and legitimate matters in principle and likely shapes their future attitudes and behaviours.

Ultimately, it is likely to be central to effective policy implementation. However, evidence suggests that people often think public service processes treat them unfairly.

Our research in this programme seeks to answer three fundamental questions about which we have very limited evidence and theory in many public service settings:

  • What process features matter for people’s perceptions of fair processes in public services?
  • What impacts do (un)fair experiences have on attitudes and behaviours, and ultimately outcomes?
  • What interventions might increase perceptions of fair treatment?

If you have any questions about the research we are conducting, you can contact the Lab’s Director, Professor Joe Tomlinson.

Publications