The model is based on the following seven theories; The contingency theory, the multiple streams theory by Kingdon, the theories of power, the organizational theory, isomorphism, Lindbloms incrementalism and population ecology.
Greiningarlíkan þetta byggir á sjö kenningum. Þær eru aðstæðukenningin, einmótunarkenningin, frumstefnusúpa Kingdons, vistfræði skipulagsheilda, smáskrefakenning Lindbloms, stofnanakenningar og valdakenningar.