[111] The calculation of predictions about costs and benefits of policy alternatives. The rational policy-maker here is required to calculate for each alternative both the expectation that will achieve the goals and also the costs. [1v] Although simultaneously with calculating net expectations for each alternative, the rational policy-maker is required to compare the alternatives with the highest benefits. [v] The fifth stage is the stage of selecting the most efficient policy alternative. If the rational policy-maker has done this properly, the policy choice should be straight forward. Once a policy choice is complimented, the rational policy-maker is required to monitor this implementation systematically to find out the accuracy of the expectations and estimates. If necessary, the policy-maker will complete the gaps in policy or give it up all together. This can also be referred to as feed back stage’ of rational policy-making. If the ‘the make use of the feed-back to monitor and adapt policy, the policy system becomes self-correcting or cybernetic. What Are The Possible Constraints To Rationality? It has been clearly established that rational decision making suffers from many constraints. The concept of rationality is bandied about so much and so discriminatingly that it threatens to lose its meaning. It is more widely spoken about than put to real practise. Some of the known constraints of rational policy-making include: [a] In accomplishing goals: Rational policy making is a very difficult exercise. By the time the policy-maker makes a recommendation, the policy in question becomes more complex that rational prescriptions become decisions which are made on the basis of societal goals. Instead, the try to maximise their own rewards, such as power, status, money and re-election. Therefore, making a more rational policy is more an exercise than a goal. [b] In Securing Optimisation: the rational policy-making process is expected to produce optimal results. However in real life, it does not always do so. Usually the public interests are taken to be of more importance than being merely the sum of individual interests in political arena. [c] Conflict Between Rational Choice And Need For Action: there is usually a conflict between rational search behaviour and the need for action. As already stated, policy-makers
[111] The calculation of predictions about costs and benefits of policy alternatives. The rational policy-maker here is required to calculate for each alternative both the expectation that will achieve the goals and also the costs. [1v] Although simultaneously with calculating net expectations for each alternative, the rational policy-maker is required to compare the alternatives with the highest benefits. [v] The fifth stage is the stage of selecting the most efficient policy alternative. If the rational policy-maker has done this properly, the policy choice should be straight forward. Once a policy choice is complimented, the rational policy-maker is required to monitor this implementation systematically to find out the accuracy of the expectations and estimates. If necessary, the policy-maker will complete the gaps in policy or give it up all together. This can also be referred to as ‘the feed back stage’ of rational policy-making. If the make use of the feed-back to monitor and adapt policy, the policy system becomes self-correcting or cybernetic. What Are The Possible Constraints To Rationality? It has been clearly established that rational decision making suffers from many constraints. The concept of rationality is bandied about so much and so discriminatingly that it threatens to lose its meaning. It is more widely spoken about than put to real practise. Some of the known constraints of rational policy-making include: [a] In accomplishing goals: Rational policy making is a very difficult exercise. By the time the policy-maker makes a recommendation, the policy in question becomes more complex that rational prescriptions become decisions which are made on the basis of societal goals. Instead, the try to maximise their own rewards, such as power, status, money and re-election. Therefore, making a more rational policy is more an exercise than a goal. [b] In Securing Optimisation: the rational policy-making process is expected to produce optimal results. However in real life, it does not always do so. Usually the public interests are taken to be of more importance than being merely the sum of individual interests in political arena. [c] Conflict Between Rational Choice And Need For Action: there is usually a conflict between rational search behaviour and the need for action. As already stated, policy-makers
BSPH113-FPD-1-2015-1.docx