Day 18: Problems: Decisions

Daniel J. Mallinson

School of Public AffairsPenn State Harrisburgmallinson@psu.edu

PUBPL 304

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 1 / 14

Road map

Discuss the decision making process

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 2 / 14

Problem Definition

Symbols

Numbers

Causes

Interests

Decisions

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 3 / 14

Decisions

The Decider The Paralyzed

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 4 / 14

http://www.americanpopularculture.com/htdocs/assets/george_w_bush73.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Warren_G_Harding-Harris_%26_Ewing-crop.jpg

Decisions

Rational Model

Decisions follow a clear analytical process

The Polis

Decisions follow a political process

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 5 / 14

Steps of Rational Policymaking

1 Define the goal

2 List alternatives

3 Evaluate consequences of each alternative

4 Choose least costly alternative that is most likely toattain the goal

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 6 / 14

Let’s make a decision...

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 7 / 14

http://www.eatcu.com/original/d5a3498cfc9e53130b5f815ef44713b7_Jet.jpg

Defining Goals

Rational Model

Goals are explicit and precise

The Polis

Political utility in having ambiguous goals

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 8 / 14

Selecting Alternatives

Rational Model

Does not indicate where these come from, but theyshould be exhaustive

Options have equal standing

Only allows choice of one option

The Polis

Framing controls the set of possible options and theirmeaning

Causal claims also shape alternatives

Transform an either-or to a both-and solution

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 9 / 14

Evaluating Alternatives

Rational Model

Cost-benefit tally

Focus on efficiency

The Polis

The intangibles matter

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 10 / 14

The Intangibles

What would you pay for an additional year of life?

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 11 / 14

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1328218897/062/6361062.jpg

Measurement

Do not forget our discussion of numbers. Need to beaware of what is included in costs and benefits. Where isthe line drawn?

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 12 / 14

Moral/Ethical vs. Utilitarian Decision

Ticking Time Bomb Terrorist

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 13 / 14

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kddyyE98boA/T5k8vWafVKI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/OayakpJtjm8/s1600/Symetrical+Shot.png

Pulling it all together

Key Point

Politics is about who tells the story and what story theyare telling. Issue framing shapes the interests that aremobilized and the solutions that are ultimatelyconsidered. Hence, a lot of power in controlling how anissue is framed for policy makers.

Mallinson Day 18 October 2, 2017 14 / 14