Hester Paanakker

generalizability of the nature and dynamics of the effects of value divergence in public policy domains and organizations. 6.6 Conclusion With the discussion and propositions above, we have an answer to our main question: what effects on policy implementation result from value divergence in the Dutch prison sector? The overall conclusion is that value divergence undermines the realization of the core values in the prison sector through a range of practical implementation problems, but does not necessarily lead to the experience of moral dilemmas in a one-to-one relationship. A value imbalance between the instrumental values that support the organization, as enforced by managers, and the intrinsic values in serving prison inmates, as aspired to by frontline workers, forces street-level prison officers to reorganize their work routines. As a result, many report that they experience implementation problems in trying to enforce policy in line with its underlying values, and that they feel value divergence seriously undermines their ability to pursue the intrinsic values of penal service delivery. Interestingly, the value divergence between frontline prison officials and their managers, either at lower, higher, or policy management level, does not subsequently lead to a high level of moral dilemmas being experienced. This is because prison officers have strong coping mechanisms in place that either make them turn a blind eye to value changes and imbalances, or test the limits of their resourcefulness within the confined settings of their loyalty. 158 Chapter 6