Perceptions of Wicked Policy Problems and Anti-Privatization Attitudes: The Mediating Role of Political Leadership Preferences

Objective: The objective was to examine the relationship between perceptions of wicked policy problems and anti-privatization attitudes, with a focus on the mediating role of political leadership preferences (i.e., populist, pluralist, or elitist political leadership). Methods: This quantitative study used data collected from 457 adults in Israel. Analysis of indirect effects supports the hypothesized mediation. Results: The findings attest to the significance of political leadership preferences in mediating the link between wicked policy problems and individuals' attitudes toward privatization. Further discussion of the study results and their implications is provided. Conclusion: The research enhances our understanding of how perceptions of complex and challenging policy issues are linked to the political outlook of the public. By investigating the mediating role of political leadership preferences, the study sheds light on the pathway by which wicked policy problems are linked to anti-privatization attitudes.