Week 6- Policy Models

Question 1

Explain the Rational model of Policy-making (6)

Answer 1

• Evidence-based
• Relies on scientific method
• “Yardstick of wisdom”, based on wisdom of state and not influenced by autonomous agenda
• Choosing the one best option
• Equates with efficiency and net value achievement
• Assumes gov’t has infinite capacity to collect, compute, and process information and data so they can forecast best solution

Question 2

What is required to be rational? (4)

Answer 2

• Identification and determination of the goals
• Ranking of goals in order of importance
• Identification of possible alternatives for achieving goals
• Cost-benefit analysis

Question 3

Policy-makers in rational policy-making must… (4)

Answer 3

• Know all of the society’s value and preferences and their relative weight
• Clarify goals and objectives, rank them
• Know all policy alternatives and compare their consequences (achieved vs. sacrifice)
• Select efficient policy alternative that matches with the goal

Question 4

Explain the rationalist paradigm.

Answer 4

• Postulates truth can be discovered through reason and rational thought
• Assume that world is deterministic (cause and effect for everything)
• Significant ways concepts and knowledge are gained
• Focus on prescribing better way of making and implementing better policy
  Dominated by public admin

Question 5

What are the stages of the rational model?

Answer 5

1. Policy maker identifies problem. Formulate and sets goal priorities.
2. Identify range of policy alternatives
3. Prepare complete set of alternatives, and of resources with weights for each
4. Calculation of predictions (costs/cost-payoffs and benefits)
5. Compost alternatives with the highest benefit and compare the best two
6. Make the most efficient policy alternative

Question 6

What are the drawbacks for the rational model? (4)

Answer 6

• Conflict between rational choice and need for action (based on maximizing their rewards/power, no consensus on societal values, short time in emergency)
• Cost-benefit ratios doesn’t consider diverse intersecting values
• Time and cost constraints in gathering information
• Nature and environment of bureaucracy

Question 7

Explain the incremental model. (6)

Answer 7

• Views policy as continuation of past governments with limited changes
• Step-by-step approach
• Accepts the past and existing policies, reduce uncertainties of new ones
• Mutual adjustment, negotiations, and compromises (consensus decreases disputes)
• Trial and error
• Radical change is very difficult

Question 8

What are the advantages of the incremental model? (4)

Answer 8

• Simple method
• Flexibility
• Minimal disruption
• Suitable for developing countries

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of the policy making model? (3)

Answer 9

• Limiting number of alternatives and consequences, misses best possible solution
• Impossible to affect radical shifts (conservative in nature)
• Indecisive

Question 10

Explain the mixed scanning model.

Answer 10

• Strengths of rational and incremental model, eliminates their weaknesses

Assumes:
- Increments lead to fundamental changes
- Planners are bounded by rational being
- Planners must oversee the whole situation and consider few situations in greater detail