The “public policy” approach to the study of state action

Abstract

One of the theoretical origins of the "policy analysis" approach lies within the framework of a diffuse Organizational Theory, and more specifically, in the derivative Decision Theory. The latter is closely linked to Operations Research and the widely disseminated "rational paradigm." However, the reformulation of this theoretical framework has been constant and varied. The optimizing criterion was opposed to the satisfaction criterion; the shift was from the all-powerful individual decision-maker ("Superman Syndrome")1 to the development and study of "collective" decisions or decisions in complex organizational contexts; from normative and axiomatic models to bureaucratic-organizational and political or descriptive perspectives.