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Coping with complexity: An experimental study of public policy decision-making

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  • Janet A. Weiss

Abstract

Empirical studies of decision-making invariably conclude with profound skepticism about the human capacity to process complex problems. The skepticism bodes ill for public policy makers, for they confront decisions of formidable complexity. This research examines the impact of systematic variation in the complexity of public policy decisions on the quality of decisions made by experienced public and private sector managers. Results show that increases in complexity do affect decision-making, but in positive as well as negative ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Janet A. Weiss, 1982. "Coping with complexity: An experimental study of public policy decision-making," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 2(1), pages 66-87.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:2:y:1982:i:1:p:66-87
    DOI: 10.2307/3323651
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    Cited by:

    1. Janet A. Weiss, 1990. "Ideas and inducements in mental health policy," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 9(2), pages 178-200.
    2. Le Anh Nguyen Long & Megan Foster & Gwen Arnold, 2019. "The impact of stakeholder engagement on local policy decision making," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 52(4), pages 549-571, December.
    3. Yoh, Allison & Taylor, Brian D. & Gahbauer, John, 2012. "Does Transit Mean Business? Reconciling academic, organizational, and political perspectives on Reforming Transit Fare Policies," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt6dv295b7, University of California Transportation Center.
    4. Bérard, Céline, 2009. "Le processus de décision dans les systèmes complexes : une analyse d’une intervention systémique," Economics Thesis from University Paris Dauphine, Paris Dauphine University, number 123456789/6539 edited by Romelaer, Pierre & Cloutier, Martin L..
    5. Barry Bozeman & David Landsbergen, 1989. "Truth and Credibility in Sincere Policy Analysis," Evaluation Review, , vol. 13(4), pages 355-379, August.
    6. Hodgson, Geoffrey M. & Knudsen, Thorbjørn, 2010. "Generative replication and the evolution of complexity," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 75(1), pages 12-24, July.

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