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The Rational- Coprehensive theory draws from how a rational person would make decisions that would maximize the attainment of certain goals. When confrontedwith a problem, the rational-comprehensive individual will look at the problem, see the goals, values, objectives, and veiw various alternatives, their costs and bebefits, and make a decision to maximize that goal. The critic to this theory would say that the chooser does not have the full facts, or a clearly defined problem, and the chooser may confusepersonal and public values.
The Incremental Theory of decision making involves the limited changes or additions to our existing policies. No radical or large changes to policy are made. The chooser only looks at some of the alternatives, does not necessarily look at all outcomes, and changes are only remedial in nature. Incremental decision making is politically expediant, because it is eaisier to reach a decision when the risks are lower.
The Mixed-Scanning Theory of decision making draws from both Incremantal theory and the Fundamental rational- Comprehensive Model. In government, there is no single theory that is used, so a combiunATION IS OFTEN IMPLEMENTED.
A number if factors influence decision making, such as values at the organizational level, proffesional level, and ones own personal values as well. Policymakers refer back their idealogical values, policy values and party loyalty when voting of policies. If one is an elected official, that individual may be influenced by his or her constituency interests and pressures, and public opinion. .
Bargaining, logrolling, and side payments, and Majorities are also some factors to consider in policy decisions. After the bargaining, adjustments, and amendments to the bill, and the bill has been passed, we now have something called a public policy. Policy making is not concluded at the end of the vote, however. It must be expressed in a statuatory or other official form.