Long-Range, Complex Decision-Making Processes in the Public Sector

Herman Steensma and Henk Boer

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DOI: 10.2190/2425-UG0M-WLNW-M20K

Abstract

Solving societal problems is a very complicated process. Several rival explanations exist to explain governmental policy making. Three important policy-making models are, respectively, the learning model, the agenda model, and the incrementalism model. These models differ in six aspects: immediate cause, norms, actors and interest groups, issue characteristics, process development, and outcomes. Our study analyzes the policy-making process for twelve complex problems in four categories: AIDS, tuberculosis, life insurance, and societal effects of venereal diseases. Decision making sometimes lasted for longer than a decade Special attention is paid to the role of external coalitions and interest groups, the influence of experts, and their changing balance of power. A content analysis of files, official Parliamentary Reports, journals, and press clips revealed that most problems have been solved by a decision-making process that is a mixture of the three policy-making models.

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