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The narrative structure of policy analysis

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  • Thomas J. Kaplan

Abstract

This paper holds that the prior development of clear external criteria or principles is not always a useful avenue to the resolution of policy dilemmas, and that external criteria are sometimes as likely to emerge from proposed resolutions to policy issues as they are to govern those resolutions. In the absence of external criteria, stories meeting certain characteristics (truth, richness, consistency, congruency, and unity) can integrate necessary considerations, explain the development of current dilemmas, and point the way to resolutions. Not all policy analyses need to be in the narrative form-some analyses appropriately make tenseless arguments for particular principles. However, these principles invariably allow for many possible actions, and only a narrative can explain which particular course of action is desirable and why.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas J. Kaplan, 1986. "The narrative structure of policy analysis," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 5(4), pages 761-778.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:5:y:1986:i:4:p:761-778
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.4050050406
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    Cited by:

    1. Berg, Annukka & Hukkinen, Janne I., 2011. "The paradox of growth critique: Narrative analysis of the Finnish sustainable consumption and production debate," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 151-160.
    2. Anica Zeyen & Markus Beckmann & Stella Wolters, 2016. "Actor and Institutional Dynamics in the Development of Multi-stakeholder Initiatives," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 135(2), pages 341-360, May.
    3. Maria Husmann, 2015. "Social constructions of obesity target population: an empirical look at obesity policy narratives," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 48(4), pages 415-442, December.
    4. Ngoasong, Michael Zisuh, 2009. "The emergence of global health partnerships as facilitators of access to medication in Africa: A narrative policy analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(5), pages 949-956, March.
    5. Walters, Lawrence C. & Sudweeks, Ray R., 1996. "Public policy analysis: The next generation of theory," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 425-452.
    6. Anne Décobert & Tamas Wells, 2020. "Interpretive Complexity and Crisis: the History of International Aid to Myanmar," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(2), pages 294-315, April.

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