Why do Foresters Plant Trees? Testing Theories of Bureaucratic Decision-Making in Central India.

Highlights: [•] This paper develops a framework of theories of bureaucratic action in development. [•] Tree planting among foresters in India is a partially successful policy. [•] Outcomes are driven by complex, multi-causal processes. [•] Interplay between self-regarding behavior and a logic of appropriateness. [•] Single-issue reforms unlikely to succeed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]