A Content Analysis of the Strictest Water Resources Management Policy in China

Zhe Cheng, Nina Wang, Rulin Ouyang, Huanming Wang and Zhe Song
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Nina Wang: School of Public Administration, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, P. R. China
Rulin Ouyang: ��Water Resources Management Centre, Ministry of Water Resources, Beijing, P. R. China
Huanming Wang: ��Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, P. R. China
Zhe Song: School of Public Administration, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, P. R. China

Water Economics and Policy (WEP), 2022, vol. 08, issue 02, 1-26

Abstract: Policy intervention is a critical measure to address water resources challenges and improve water governance capacity. The strictest water resources management (SWRM) policy is an important water policy system that aims to deal with water shortage, water pollution, and institutional dysfunction in China. This study conducts a quantitative analysis for policy text characteristics of the SWRM through the methods of text mining and content analysis. First, we construct an analytical framework with the combination of policy instruments and policy targets, and then code and classify policy instruments in policy text and conduct statistical analysis. Finally, the research conclusions and policy suggestions are put forward. The results show that major policy instruments are structurally imbalanced in China’s SWRM policy. China’s government prefers to issue a mandatory, standardized, and restrictive policies in water resources management. Most of the policy instruments are focused on institutional management, followed by resources allocation, technological progress, and the ecological environment. This study contributes to the knowledge body of water policy evaluation and water governance, provides decision-making references for optimizing and promoting China’s water resources management policy, and offers a peer reference for water governance in other developing countries.

Keywords: Content analysis; text mining; policy instrument; strictest water resources management policy; water governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1142/S2382624X22500114

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