Ohjausvahvuutta

Ohjausvahvuutta is a Finnish term referring to the strength or capacity of steering power that a single actor or authority has to influence the behavior of others within a system. It describes the ability to guide, constrain, or shape actions through governance means such as rules, norms, and incentives.

The concept rests on several interrelated sources of influence. Formal authority (regulations, licenses, mandates) provides legal power to require or forbid certain actions. Incentives (subsidies, taxes, grants) can steer choices by making some options more attractive. Information and guidance (standards, best practices, labeling) help shape decisions without coercion. Enforcement capacity and sanctions reinforce compliance. Legitimacy, resources, and organizational capability determine how effectively these instruments translate into action.

Contexts in which ohjausvahvuutta is discussed include public administration, corporate governance, and regulatory policy. In public administration, it concerns how strongly a ministry or regulator can direct economic or social activity. In corporate governance, it pertains to the board’s ability to influence management and strategic direction. In digital and networked systems, steering can also occur through platform design, policy rules, and algorithmic choices.

Dimensions of ohjausvahvuutta often include scope (which actors and sectors are subject to steering), intensity (how strongly instruments are applied), duration (how persistent the influence is), and adaptability (the capacity to respond to changes). Measuring the concept is context-dependent and typically relies on qualitative assessments and indicators such as the breadth and enforceability of instruments, compliance levels, and resource commitments.

Etymology: formed from ohjaus (steering) and vahvuus (strength).