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Structuring Policy Problems Explained

This document discusses structuring policy problems and outlines three types of problems based on their level of structure: well-structured, moderately structured, and ill-structured. It emphasizes that defining the wrong problem, known as a Type III error, can be fatal. The document also discusses identifying stakeholders, their perspectives, and influence. It presents different methods for structuring problems, including stakeholder analysis and considering multiple perspectives.

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Moosa Visal
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69 views8 pages

Structuring Policy Problems Explained

This document discusses structuring policy problems and outlines three types of problems based on their level of structure: well-structured, moderately structured, and ill-structured. It emphasizes that defining the wrong problem, known as a Type III error, can be fatal. The document also discusses identifying stakeholders, their perspectives, and influence. It presents different methods for structuring problems, including stakeholder analysis and considering multiple perspectives.

Uploaded by

Moosa Visal
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

3 Structuring Policy Problems

Learning Outcomes
 Understand the process of problem structuring
 Contrast relatively well-structured, moderately
structured, and ill-structured problems
 Describe Type III errors in policy analysis
 Learn how to conduct a stakeholder analysis
 Use different methods of problem structuring with
a problem of your choice
POLICY
PERFORMANCE
evaluation forecasting
problem
structuring

OBSERVED POLICY EXPECTED


OUTCOMES PROBLEMS OUTCOMES

problem
structuring
monitoring recommendation

PREFERRED
POLICIES
Complex Problems
 We fail more often because we define the wrong problem,
than because we get the wrong solution. We commit
Type III errors: Defining the wrong problem.
 Type III errors can be fatal—”Wrong problem, wrong
solution!”
 Problems are formed by the interaction of thought and
external environments—they are interdependent,
subjective, artificial, and dynamic.
 Problems are wholes not merely parts—an analysis of parts
of a problem may miss the whole.
 Policy makers tend to avoid rather than benefit from
conflicting perspectives—they prefer consensus.
Three Types of Problems
Problem Well Moderately Ill
Element Structured Structured Structured
STAKEHOLDERS One Several Many

ALTERNATIVES Known Partially Known Mostly Unknown

OUTCOMES OF Known Partially known Mostly Unknown


ALTERNATIVES

PROBABILITIES Objective & Objective & Subjective &


OF OUTCOMES Determined Uncertain Risky

VALUE (UTILITY) Unanimity Consensus Conflict


OF OUTCOMES
Identifying Stakeholders
 A stakeholder is any individual or group that
affects/and or is affected by a policy. Stakeholders
may be identified by name and title, sampled with
little error, prioritized, and queried indirectly or by
simulation for their perspectives of a problem.

 Internal versus external


 Formal position
 Reputation for influence
 Functional role
 International versus domestic
High Influence

HIGH
PRIORITY

High Stakes Low Stakes

Low Influence
Problem Structuring with Multiple
Perspective Analysis

 Personal Perspective. Individual interests,


values, character …
 Institutional Perspective. Bureaucratic politics,
incrementalism, interrupted equilibrium …
 Technical Perspective. Benefit-cost analysis,
econometrics, microeconomic policy analysis…

3 Structuring Policy Problems 3 Structuring Policy Problems
Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes Understand the process of problem structuring Contrast relatively well-structured, mode
POLICY PERFORMANCE EXPECTED OUTCOMES PREFERRED POLICIES OBSERVED OUTCOMES
Complex Problems Complex Problems We fail more often because we define the wrong problem, than because we get the wrong sol
Three Types of Problems Three Types of Problems Problem Element Well Structured Moderately Structured Ill Structured STAK
Identifying Stakeholders Identifying Stakeholders A stakeholder is any individual or group that affects/and or is affected
High Influence High Stakes Low Stakes Low Influence HIGH PRIORITY
Problem Structuring with Multiple Perspective Analysis Problem Structuring with Multiple Perspective Analysis Personal Per

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