theories of public policy analysis Flashcards
who proposed Garbage-Can Policy?
Michael Cohen, James March, and Johan Olsen
what is Garbage-Can Policy ?
describes decision-making in organizations as chaotic and haphazard. According to this theory, policy decisions arise when independent streams of problems, solutions, participants, and decision opportunities come together, often coincidentally. This theory is especially relevant in settings with unclear objectives, fragmented authority, or complex environments
key features of Garbage-Can Policy
- Decision-making is often non-linear.
- Solutions may precede problems, with pre-existing proposals waiting for an opportunity to be applied.
- Participants and preferences change frequently, leading to fluid decision-making.
Garbage-Can Policy examples
- Energy Crisis Management: Pakistan’s approach to addressing energy shortages often reflects a garbage-can model. For example, multiple solutions (e.g., solar energy, coal plants, imported LNG) were debated and implemented inconsistently. The lack of a clear, unified energy policy and shifting priorities between governments created an environment where solutions were matched to problems opportunistically.
- Circular Debt in Power Sector: Policies to resolve this recurring issue are often piecemeal and reactive, lacking a systematic or cohesive framework
What is game theory?
Game Theory analyzes strategic interactions where the outcomes for each participant depend on the actions of others. In public policy, it helps predict behaviors of stakeholders—such as governments, organizations, or groups—who act rationally to maximize their benefits in competitive or cooperative settings.
99% involvement of elite class while formulating public policy. Major involvmenet of elite in public policy and such a policy is based on interests of elites. e.g., budget.
Key features of game thoery
- Focuses on strategies and payoffs.
- Involves scenarios like cooperation, competition, and bargaining.
- Often used to model conflicts, negotiations, and policy implementation
examples of game theory
- India-Pakistan Water Dispute (Indus Waters Treaty): Pakistan and India have used strategic negotiations and cooperative mechanisms to manage the sharing of Indus River waters. However, tensions over projects like India’s Kishanganga Dam illustrate the strategic interplay analyzed through game theory.
- Tax Evasion Policies: Game theory can explain how the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) uses audits and penalties to deter tax evasion, anticipating taxpayers’ strategic responses to avoid detection
Path Dependency Theory
Path Dependency Theory emphasizes how historical decisions and events influence current and future policy choices. Once a policy direction is established, it becomes challenging to change course due to institutional inertia, vested interests, or the high cost of shifting.
key features of path dependency theory
- Historical legacies shape policies.
- Lock-in effects make change costly or unlikely.
- Incremental changes dominate over radical reforms
Example of path dependency theory
- Land Reforms and Feudal Structure: Historical land ownership patterns established during British colonial rule have persisted, affecting modern land reform policies. Attempts at land redistribution have faced resistance due to entrenched feudal interests.
- Energy Mix Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels for energy is a product of historical investments in oil and gas infrastructure. Efforts to shift to renewable energy face resistance from vested interests and sunk costs in existing systems.
Policy Diffusion Theory
Policy Diffusion Theory explains how policies spread across jurisdictions, influenced by learning, imitation, competition, and coercion. Governments often adopt policies observed in other regions or countries, tailoring them to local needs.
key features of Policy Diffusion Theory
- Learning: Adopting successful policies from other contexts.
- Competition: Policy changes driven by economic or social competition.
- Coercion: External pressures or mandates prompting adoption.
- Mimicry: Copying policies for legitimacy or symbolic reasons
examples of Policy Diffusion Theory
- Microfinance Models (Adoption of Grameen Bank Model): Inspired by Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank, Pakistan developed microfinance institutions like the First Women Bank and Khushhali Microfinance Bank to provide financial services to the underserved.
- National Action Plan (NAP) Against Terrorism: Elements of counter-terrorism policies, such as deradicalization programs and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, were influenced by international practices, including U.S. counter-terrorism strategies.
- Ehsaas Program (Influence from International Welfare Programs): Pakistan’s Ehsaas initiative was shaped by lessons from global social protection programs, such as Brazil’s Bolsa Família and India’s Aadhaar-based schemes.
Policy Network Theory
Policy Network Theory examines the relationships and interactions between various actors (government agencies, interest groups, NGOs, private organizations, and individuals) involved in policy-making. These networks influence how policies are shaped, implemented, and evaluated
who proposed Policy Network Theory
Scholars like David Marsh and R.A.W. Rhodes developed the concept in the late 20th century
examples of Policy Network Theory
- CPEC Policy Implementation: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) exemplifies a policy network involving the Pakistani government, Chinese institutions, provincial governments, and private firms. Collaboration between these actors determines infrastructure projects, energy initiatives, and economic zones.
- Polio Eradication Campaigns: Multiple stakeholders, including the federal and provincial health ministries, WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs, coordinate efforts to address polio, reflecting a complex policy network.
Features of Policy Network Theory
o Focuses on interdependencies and collaboration among actors.
o Highlights the role of power dynamics within networks.
o Emphasizes that policy outcomes are the result of negotiation and resource exchange.
What is Narrative Policy Framework (NPF)?
The Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) focuses on how stories, narratives, and discourse shape public policy. Policymakers and stakeholders use narratives to frame problems, justify solutions, and garner public support.
Govt will analyze what narrative is being built in public/ masses and then formulate the policies on the basis of it. e.g., on the basis of patriotism, defense policies are made.
Who proposed Narrative Policy Framework?
Initially developed by Emery Roe (1994) and expanded by scholars like Michael D. Jones and Mark McBeth.
Key Features of Narrative Policy Framework.
o Narratives include characters (heroes, villains, victims), plots, and moral lessons.
o Emphasizes the role of storytelling in influencing public perception and decision-making.
o Identifies competing narratives in policy debates.
Examples of narrative policy framework
- Kashmir Policy: The government and political actors use narratives highlighting human rights abuses and the need for self-determination to garner domestic and international support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
- Climate Change Advocacy: Narratives emphasizing Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change (e.g., devastating floods of 2022) have been used to frame the country as a victim of global emissions, advocating for international financial support.
What is Complexity Theory?
Complexity Theory examines how policies evolve in systems characterized by interconnected and dynamic relationships. It recognizes that outcomes emerge from interactions among multiple components, rather than from linear cause-and-effect processes.
Similar to garbage-can theory. No specified policy maker to formulate a distinguished policy
