This study applies multiple streams framework to analyze Congressional bills and identify key factors influencing PFAS’s emergence as a policy priority. By examining 149 bills and amendments introduced between 2001 and 2022 using a frequency count and thematic content analysis, we found that PFAS received limited legislative attention from the 107th to the 115th Congresses, followed by a sharp increase in focus during the 116th and 117th Congresses. Our findings reveal substantial repetition in bill topics, significant overlap in sponsorships, and a pattern of modifying or expanding existing legislation rather than creating new laws. Key legislators from states such as Michigan, New York, and New Hampshire have acted as policy entrepreneurs, serving as information brokers driving legislative progress. This study enhances a broader understanding of how environmental issues, particularly those involving emerging contaminants that require extensive data collection and a long lead time before policy action, can successfully gain traction on the federal policy agenda.

The paper recommends the following policies: 1) Incorporating case study theories into policymaking; 2) Developing adaptable tools for applying theories in different countries; and 3)

Assessing public perception of reforms based on theoretical models. This paper also tries to develop theories: a. theory development; b. the rate of change of the theory; c. validity of theory.

Background: The spoils system, favoring political loyalty over merit, weakens governance, especially in Iran’s post-election administrative reshuffles.

Method: Employing Colaizzi’s method, 17 employees from a municipality, a provincial ministry, and two state-owned enterprises in Isfahan were interviewed, following COREQ guidelines.

Results: Five themes emerged: unchecked discretionary authority, weak human resource management, ineffective oversight, prevalence of anti-values, and external influences like political interference, economic sanctions, and regional disparities, highlighting systemic, cultural, and psychological roots of patronage.

Conclusion: The findings enhance principal-agent theory by integrating Iran-specific dynamics, confirming patronage’s entrenched nature.

Implications: Conducted as a master’s thesis, this study proposes reforms—merit-based recruitment, digital transparency tools, and ethical training—offering innovative governance solutions for developing countries facing similar challenges.