From “Isomorphic Responsibility” to Governmental Responsibility System: Explaining Grassroots Overburden and Exploring Solutions

“Grassroots overburden” refers to overload of responsibilities and abuse of accountability in grassroots Party and government organizations, grassroots mass autonomous organizations, and state-owned enterprises and public institutions. It primarily includes excessive responsibilities and accountability from the superior Party and government agencies and departments, as well as excessive responsibilities from the general public. Though in different forms, all these overburdens are interrelated and fundamentally caused by the “isomorphic responsibility” system and its consequent problems. Under this system, as to intergovernmental relations, the tension between “downward assignment of tasks” and “hierarchical division of affairs” causes responsibilities being “driven down” and the grassroots’ catch-all role being enhanced. Regarding “tiao-kuai” relations, the tension between “administrative management” and “territorial management” causes power being intercepted across different levels, which exacerbates the imbalance between power and responsibility. With regard to government-society relations, the tension between “government administrative management” and “social self-management” causes grassroots mass autonomous organizations being passively administratized, as well as grassroots responsibilities being consolidated. The intricate link and inherent tension between institutional intention and operational performance are the primary reasons why grassroots bear overburden. In order to effectively address the issue of grassroots overburden, it entails a new approach to institutional design, namely reasonably confirming the responsibilities of Party and government agencies at all levels and grassroots mass autonomous organizations, developing a scientific system of governmental responsibilities, and gradually cultivating harmonious intergovernmental partnerships.