Unpacking street-level discretion: a systematic review of its conceptualizations, antecedents and consequences

Street-level discretion has long been valued in public administration that connects formal policies to their frontline implementation. Despite extensive research, studies on street-level discretion remain fragmented with limited interconnections and few normative claims about consequences. This article systematically reviews 162 studies from 1980–2022, addressing gaps by examining the conceptualization of street-level discretion, its drivers, and impacts and conducting theoretical predictions. It concludes with a research agenda that recognizes discretion’s potential to enhance adaptability and equity while cautioning against its inconsistency risks. We call for further research to refine mechanisms that mitigate these challenges and enhance its positive outcomes.