C h a r l e s E . L i n d b l o m

Ya l e U n i ve rs i t y

K. D. Shamila Krishanthi

(Option 01)

List all related

values in order of

importance

Inquire into values held

by members of the society

Systematic comparison

of multitude

of alternatives

Make choice that maximizes

values

(Option 02)

Set principal

objectives explicitly

Outline relatively few policy

alternatives & Compare

limited alternatives

Rely on a body of past

record to predict the

future

Consider the risks

with each policy

alternatives.

Make choice that

maximizes values

Root

Branch

By Root or By Branch

Successive limited

comparison method

Rational comprehensive

method

Successive limited comparison method (Branch)

- Emanating from current situation, step-by-step and by small degrees.

Rational comprehensive method (Roots)

- Starting from the fundamentals anew each time

- Building on the past only as experience is embodied in a theory

- Always prepared to start completely from the ground up.

RootClarification of

values/objectives distinct, usually

a prerequisite

Means-ends approach: Ends

are isolated means identified

Goodness test : most

appropriate means to end

Analysis is comprehensive

Heavy reliance on theory

Branch Selection of values/goals intertwined

Means & ends not distinct so

means/ends analysis limited

Goodness test = consensus

Analysis ltd: neglects important

outcomes/ alternatives/values

Comparison reduces reliance on

theory

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.

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.

Root: goodness shown by achieving some specified objective

Branch: agreement on policy is the only test of goodness

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.

“ 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