Discussion Questions

1. What are the decision-making steps in the rational approach? Are these steps missing anything? What view of human nature does this approach follow? What contribution does this approach make to theories of decision making?

2. According to the text, information and values are two issues that every decision-making approach must tackle. What does this mean? Are these issues in conflict? In your opinion, are there any other important issues that should receive equal weight?

3. Select one of the approaches (rational, public choice, bargaining, participative) and explain the approach’s basic argument. How does that approach handle values and information? Is there an example of this approach in action in government?

4. Select another one of the approaches (rational, public choice, bargaining, participative) and explain the approach’s basic argument. How does that approach handle values and information? Is there an example of this approach in action in government?

5. How do each of the following issues present a problem for all approaches to decision making: uncertainty, weak information flow, and crises? When do you think these problems become most apparent? The text noted some additional issues that these approaches fail to address, such as how a problem or need for a decision is discovered, formulated, and put on the agenda. Would you want to add to this list?

6. Do you agree with Herbert Simon that the task of deciding should be the central element of studying public administration? Perhaps even more, as according to Simon, that doing is impossible without deciding? Why or why not?

7. Comment on Robert D. Behn and James W. Vaupel’s quote on values reprinted in the text: “Decisions depend upon judgments—judgments about the nature of the dilemma, the probabilities of events, and the desirability of consequences. Decision making is inherently subjective.” What do you think about this idea that decisions are subjective? Can you give an example of how you have witnessed your government make a decision that seemed more subjective than objective? How does that make you feel that the subjectivity of administrators is at work in their decision making? How do the different approaches to decision making treat “values,” and which ones seem more value driven than others?