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ABSTRACTIt seems possible to formulate broad characterizations of the British and European policy processes in terms of the relationship between government and interest groups. There is a preferred type of machinery in Britain, reflecting normative values, which is to avoid electoral politics and public conflict in order to reach consensus or "accommodation" in the labyrinth of consultative machinery. This style is aptly labelled "bureaucratic accommodation" and is a system in which the dominant actors are groups and government departments. Departments readily recognize the "relevant" groups in a given policy area and seek to mobilize the community around agreed policies. The predilection for the avoidance of conflict seems equally apparent in other Western European nations.

It is possible to formulate broad characterizations of the British & European policy processes in terms of the relationship between government & interest groups. In GB it is considered preferable to avoid electoral politics & public conflict in reaching consensus or "accommodation" by consultative machinery. This style, which reflects normative values, is aptly labeled "bureaucratic accommodation"; the dominant actors are groups & government departments. Departments readily recognize the "relevant" groups in a given policy area & seek to mobilize the community around agreed policies. The predilection for the avoidance of conflict seems equally apparent in other Western European nations. 35 References. Modified HA.

Many descriptions of the policy process are more or less related to two main features of policy-making & implementation systems: (1) a government's approach to problem solving in terms of either an anticipatory or reactive approach, & (2) a government's relationship to other actors in the policy-making & implemention process. The interaction between these two features is defined as "policy style." In GB, the policy style is best characterized as bureaucratic accommodation, with five overlapping features -- sectorization, clientelism, consultation & negotiation, the institutionalization of compromise, & the development of exchange relationships. This policy style, which is typical of much of Western Europe, leads to the overcrowding of the policy process & makes policy change more difficult. 1 Table, 1 Figure, 75 References. HA.