Interventions to reduce bureaucratic discrimination: a systematic review of empirical behavioural research

Eva Thomann, Oliver James and Thibaud Deruelle

Public Management Review, 2025, vol. 27, issue 8, 1959-1986

Abstract: The reality of street-level discretion can entail discrimination against people based on their identifiable characteristics. However, there has been surprisingly little systematic assessment of empirical evidence about what can be done to tackle the problem. This paper systematically reviews empirical behavioural research studies (N = 53) on the effects of interventions to reduce bureaucratic discrimination. Evidence shows that three types of interventions are reliably effective: outreach to and engagement with clients, anti-bias training, and passive representation. Inclusive practices can also reduce discrimination. These effects are however context-dependent, and causal mechanisms linking interventions with effects remain a ‘black box’.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2024.2322163

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