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Lindblom: Science of Muddling Through

Lindblom: Science of Muddling Through. Rational comprehensive method (root) vs. Successive limited comparison (branch) method Which is more appropriate for complex problems?. Rational comprehensive method (Root) Clarification of values/obj prerequisite

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Lindblom: Science of Muddling Through

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  1. Lindblom: Science of Muddling Through • Rational comprehensive method (root) vs. Successive limited comparison (branch) method • Which is more appropriate for complex problems?

  2. Rational comprehensive method (Root) Clarification of values/obj prerequisite Means-ends approach: Ends are isolated means identified Goodness test = most appropriate means to end Analysis is comprehensive Heavy reliance on theory Successive limited comparison method (Branch) Selection of values/goals intertwined Means & ends not distinct so means/ends analysis N/A Goodness test = consensus Analysis ltd: neglects important outcomes/ alternatives/values Comparison reduces reliance on theory Two Approaches to Policy Formulation

  3. Intertwining evaluation & analysis • Participants disagree on weight of critical values and even on sub-objectives • Individuals may be unable to rank their own values when the are conflicting • Social objectives may have different value weights in different circumstances • One chooses among values and policies simultaneously • Administrators focus on incremental objectives

  4. Relations between means and ends • Means end relationship is not possible if values are agreed upon and unchanging • Where means and ends are simultaneously chosen, means ends analysis is not possible.

  5. Test of goodness • Root: goodness shown by achieving some specified objective • Branch: agreement on policy is the only test of goodness • remember: objectives themselves have no ultimate validity

  6. Non-comprehensive analysis • Impossible to take all factors into consideration in any non-simple decision • Available information and human capacity are limited • Complex problems/decisions must be simplified • Simplification is achieved through limitation of policy comparisons and alternatives to those differing from the status quo

  7. Succession of Comparisons • “ Policy is not made once and for all; it is made and remade endlessly.” • Successive approximation to a desired objectives where the desired objective itself changes and evolves • “Making policy is at best a rough process.” Policies will only achieve part of what you hope for while creating unintended consequences you would prefer to avoid. • By proceeding through a succession of changes a policy maker avoids serious and lasting mistakes

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