Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 174 views

    Charles E. Lindblom: The Science of "Muddling Through"

    Uploaded by

    Chan_abm
    Charles Lindblom proposes an alternative approach to rational comprehensive analysis called successive limited comparisons. This approach recognizes that means and ends are intertwined and cannot be separated. It involves a succession of limited comparisons between policies that are similar to existing policies. Every important interest has a "watchdog" to provide input. This approach is more realistic for policymaking compared to rational comprehensive analysis which aims to be comprehensive but often relies too heavily on theory.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Charles E. Lindblom: The Science of "Muddling Through"

    Uploaded by

    Chan_abm
    174 views12 pages
    Charles Lindblom proposes an alternative approach to rational comprehensive analysis called successive limited comparisons. This approach recognizes that means and ends are intertwined and cannot be separated. It involves a succession of limited comparisons between policies that are similar to existing policies. Every important interest has a "watchdog" to provide input. This approach is more realistic for policymaking compared to rational comprehensive analysis which aims to be comprehensive but often relies too heavily on theory.

    Original Title

    Lindblom

    Copyright

    © Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)

    Available Formats

    PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Charles Lindblom proposes an alternative approach to rational comprehensive analysis called successive limited comparisons. This approach recognizes that means and ends are intertwined and cannot be separated. It involves a succession of limited comparisons between policies that are similar to existing policies. Every important interest has a "watchdog" to provide input. This approach is more realistic for policymaking compared to rational comprehensive analysis which aims to be comprehensive but often relies too heavily on theory.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
    174 views12 pages

    Charles E. Lindblom: The Science of "Muddling Through"

    Uploaded by

    Chan_abm
    Charles Lindblom proposes an alternative approach to rational comprehensive analysis called successive limited comparisons. This approach recognizes that means and ends are intertwined and cannot be separated. It involves a succession of limited comparisons between policies that are similar to existing policies. Every important interest has a "watchdog" to provide input. This approach is more realistic for policymaking compared to rational comprehensive analysis which aims to be comprehensive but often relies too heavily on theory.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
    You are on page 1of 12

    The Science of Muddling Through

    published 1959
    Alice Christian PA 302 February 13, 2006

    Charles E. Lindblom

    Rational Comprehensive (Root) Clarification of values or objectives distinct from and usually prerequisite to empirical analysis of alternative policies. Policy-formulation is therefore approached through means-end analysis: First the ends are isolated, then the means to achieve them are sought. The test of a good policy is that it can be shown to be the most appropriate means to a desired end.

    Successive Limited Comparisons (Branch) Selection of value goals and empirical analysis of the needed action are not distinct from one another but are closely intertwined. Since means and ends are not distinct, means-ends analysis is often inappropriate or limited. The test of a good policy is typically that various analysts find themselves directly agreeing on a policy (without their agreeing that it is the most appropriate means to an agreed objective). Analysis is drastically limited: I)Important possible outcomes are neglected. II)Important alternatives potential policies are neglected. III)Important affected values are neglected.

    Analysis is comprehensive; every important relevant factor is taken into account.

    Theory is often heavily relied upon.

    A succession of comparison greatly reduces or eliminates reliance on theory.

    By Root or By Branch

    Intertwining Evaluation and Empirical Analysis (1a)


    How to rank values?

    A problem of adjustments at the margin p. 180

    Relations Between Means and Ends (2b)

    How can an administrator know whether he has made a wise or foolish decision if he is without prior values or objectives by which to judge his decisions? p. 181

    The Test of Good Policy (3b)

    Good if it can be shown to attain a specific objective; it is not possible to judge in the abstract.
    Judge by agreement on the policy itself

    Noncomprehensive Analysis (4b)

    Need to simplify by limiting policy comparisons to those that differ in relatively small degrees from present policies.
    Relevance as Well as Realism Compare with existing policies

    Achieving a Degree of Comprehensiveness

    Every important interest or value has its watchdog. P. 183

    Succession of Comparison (5b)

    Theorists and Practitioners

    Theory is limited in that: 1. It is greedy for facts 2. It is insufficiently precise.

    Policyis made and re-made endlessly.

    Successive Comparison as a System

    It is a method or system, it is not a failure of method for which administrators ought to apologize. P. 185 Diversity within agencies improves decision-making.

    Lindbloms World View

    Lindbloms worldview is pragmatic and activist. His theory of Incrementalism grew out of his extensive studies of welfare policies and trade unions throughout the industrialized world.
    Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_E._Lindblom Feb 7, 2006

    Why is this important to Public Sector Organizations?

    Compared with Taylors One Best Way, Lindblom advocates for constant input into systems by those involved.
    Watchdog system will keep values in balance.

    You might also like