Abstract
Background
The contribution of behavioural science to the development of public health policy and practice is being increasingly recognised but application across local government has so far been limited. The current study is an evaluation of a dedicated behaviour change unit within a local authority. The study aim was to identify factors that facilitate or impede adoption of behavioural science in local government.
Methods
A sequential mixed methods design was employed that comprised a documentary analysis for which a framework for extraction and interpretation was developed. Data from ten interviews with senior managers across six council directorates and two focus groups with eight staff from two directorates were analysed thematically. A questionnaire based on the Theoretical Domains Framework was conducted with 12 staff identified as champions of behavioural science.
Results
Analyses of data identified four key themes key to the engagement with behavioural science: organisational and cultural buy-in; understanding and application of the principles; acceptability and practicability of the service; perceived value for the organisation.
Conclusions
Behavioural science can help in the design and development of municipal services. This study highlights that for behavioural thinking to be more widely rolled out across local government a dedicated resource to support staff is desirable. As with the adoption of any new service, there needs to be a widespread organisational awareness of what the service can offer and how it can help the framing of public messaging and communications, campaigns and service or programme design.
The contribution of behavioural science to the development of public health policy and practice is being increasingly recognised but application across local government has so far been limited. The current study is an evaluation of a dedicated behaviour change unit within a local authority. The study aim was to identify factors that facilitate or impede adoption of behavioural science in local government.
Methods
A sequential mixed methods design was employed that comprised a documentary analysis for which a framework for extraction and interpretation was developed. Data from ten interviews with senior managers across six council directorates and two focus groups with eight staff from two directorates were analysed thematically. A questionnaire based on the Theoretical Domains Framework was conducted with 12 staff identified as champions of behavioural science.
Results
Analyses of data identified four key themes key to the engagement with behavioural science: organisational and cultural buy-in; understanding and application of the principles; acceptability and practicability of the service; perceived value for the organisation.
Conclusions
Behavioural science can help in the design and development of municipal services. This study highlights that for behavioural thinking to be more widely rolled out across local government a dedicated resource to support staff is desirable. As with the adoption of any new service, there needs to be a widespread organisational awareness of what the service can offer and how it can help the framing of public messaging and communications, campaigns and service or programme design.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Behavioural Science and Public Health Network |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
