Evaluating the Initial Impact of a Public Management Reform: A Multiphase Mixed Methods Investigation Using Q Methodology

Abstract

While mixed methods researchers have witnessed growing interest in Q methodology, approaches for integration into a multiphase mixed methods investigation are needed. To provide an illustrative example, I present a theoretically guided multiphase mixed methods evaluation of the impact of public management reform. The evaluation focuses on the introduction of happiness indices into Chinese local government. This study is novel because it combines a broad array of methods to investigate how the ambitious idea of happiness indices has influenced local practice. A unique contribution of this article lies in its integration of Q methodology into multiphase mixed methods design for evaluating the reform’s impact.