Page 128 - 《党政研究》2026年第5期
P. 128
〔 Key words〕agentic artificial intelligence;“ OpenClaw”;applied intelligence;intelligent collaborative subject
Calculative Material Bureaucracy and its “ Re - rationalization Paradox”———With a Discussion
on the Collapse of Digital - Intelligent Totalism MA Guang - Xuan LI Feng - Zhu 66
〔 Abstract〕The classical bureaucracy has long been characterized by a “ rationalization paradox,”which refers to the tension between its ra
tionalizing objectives and the irrational outcomes of its actual operation. Under the sway of “ digital - intelligent totalism,”great expectations
were placed on the “ re - rationalization”process driven by algorithmic bureaucracy, computing - power bureaucracy, and digital bureaucra
cy. Yet, at the practical level, a “ re - rationalization paradox”has nonetheless emerged. Consequently, the research focus shifts to “ calcu
lative material”to explore whether it can play a positive role in advancing bureaucratic re - rationalization. Building on the conceptual defini
tions of “ calculative material”and its derivative “ calculative material bureaucracy,”it becomes clear that calculative material, characterized
by its high degree of integration and calculability, empowers bureaucratic organizations to construct intelligent decision - making engines, self
- learning mechanisms,and multi - scenario adaptive architectures. When embedded within bureaucratic organizations, calculative material
gives rise to a new organizational form driven by this material - “ calculative material bureaucracy.”However, research into the operational
mechanisms of calculative material bureaucracy reveals that the embedding of calculative material propels transformations in information con
trol,power exercise,and organizational dynamics within bureaucracy,and simultaneously generates a new “ re - rationalization paradox.”
This indicates that the attempt to promote bureaucratic re - rationalization through the embedding of calculative material has again encoun
tered setbacks. The root cause is that calculative material bureaucracy,by constructing a system of calculable utility,seeks to redefine the
standards of fact and valid cognition within the organization. However, this clashes with much knowledge, experience, and complex practices
in organizational operations that cannot be fully data - driven,as well as with the organization’ s imperfect institutional environment,power
structures,and incentive and evaluation mechanisms. It is precisely this fundamental contradiction between the “ calculable”technological
presupposition and the “ incalculable”organizational reality that leads to the bankruptcy of “ digital - intelligent totalism,”which pursued bu
reaucratic re - rationalization through the “ technology - organization”combinatorial model.
〔 Key words〕calculative material;instrumental rationality;calculative material bureaucracy;digital bureaucracy;digital - intelligent to
talism
Why the “ Same Path”Leads to “ Different Outcomes”:Organizational Responses to Digital Gov
ernance under Innovation Diffusion Pressure
ZHANG Duan WANG Dong ZANG Lei - Zhen 79
〔 Abstract〕Against the backdrop of the continuous advancement of the Digital China strategy and the accelerated diffusion of digital govern
ment construction,local governments have exhibited marked convergence in organizational structure,institutional design,and technological
deployment, yet digital governance effectiveness varies significantly. This phenomenon urgently calls for theoretical explanation. Focusing on
the core question of how innovation diffusion pressure leads to differentiated governance effectiveness,this study integrates innovation diffu
sion theory and organizational response theory to construct an analytical framework of “ innovation diffusion pressure ! organizational response
! governance effectiveness” . Employing fuzzy - set qualitative comparative analysis( fsQCA), it conducts a configurational analysis of digit
al government construction practices across provincial - level administrative units. The findings indicate that no single response condition can
independently determine governance effectiveness. High governance capacity primarily relies on attention allocation and overall organizational
coordination, while high governance performance depends more on the technological ecosystem, administrative handover and acceptance, and
public service transformation. This study reveals the mechanisms and pathways through which innovation diffusion pressure translates into
governance effectiveness,expands the explanatory scope of institutional research on organizational agency, and provides theoretical reference
for local governments in advancing digital transformation.
〔 Key words〕 innovation diffusion;organizational response;digital governance effectiveness;fuzzy - set qualitative comparative analysis
( fsQCA)
Experiential Governance:Knowledge,Empathy,and Action of Cadres MA Liang 91
〔 Abstract〕This study defines initiatives such as “ Bureau and Division Directors Experiencing Service Procedures,”“ Putting Yourself in
Someone Else’ s Shoes for One Visit,”and “ Top Leaders Sitting at Service Counters to Experience Procedures”as experiential governance,
and examines its concept,functions,logic,and limitations. Unlike investigation and research,temporary secondment,or personal experi
ences,experiential governance is a process through which cadres personally experience the specific work and daily lives of citizens, busines
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