Abstract:

“Isomorphic Responsibility”is an explanatory concept and a theoretical summary of the overall characteristics of Chinese intergovernmental relations. The concept reveals that the levels of government are unified and consistent in their vertical functions, responsibilities, and institutional settings. “Isomorphic Responsibility” is a product of the long-term development of Chinese intergovernmental vertical relations. This has caused some structural problems as well as some regime advantages. In the new era, institutional and related reforms are promoted. The intergovernmental vertical allocation of responsibilities and institutional settings have also shown some characteristics of “heterogeneity” and the movement toward the reform goal of “confirming statutory powers.” These changes reveal that the construction of the government responsibility system is advancing. The conceptual formation and development of “Isomorphic Responsibility” emerged from China's politics and public management practice. It is the product of researchers' independent thinking that is combined with the effort to actively participate in the construction of a discourse and knowledge system for socialist politics with Chinese characteristics.

Key words: isomorphic responsibility, intergovernmental vertical responsibility allocation, government responsibility system, independent knowledge system