Policy-Oriented Theories

Abstract

Policy research, as any other kind of research, has to be guided by a theory. Theories in the traditional sense, that is, theories aiming at description, explanation and prediction, however, are not sufficient for this task. In all policy processes three elements are of central importance: (a) the existing situation; (b) goals, values, and other normative elements; (c) action aiming at goal realization with the existing situation as a starting point. Policy research must be guided by a policy oriented theory, in other words, a theory covering all these elements. In this article construction ofsuch theories is advocated. It shows that such theories are feasible.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Albinski, M. (1978) Onderzoek en aktie: over de relatie tussen sociaal-wetenschappelijk onderzoek en menselijk handelen. Assen: van Gorcum.

Bantje, H.F.W. and E. Van Der Wolk (1965) Personeelsbeleid heden en morgen. Alhpen a.d. Rijn: Samson .

Becker, H. A. [ed.] (1976) Simulatie in de sociale Wetenschappen. Alphen a.d. Rijn: Samson.

Bleuel, W.H. , and J.D. Patton, Jr. (1978) Service Management: Principles and Practices. Pittsburgh: Instrument Society of America.

Bressers, J.T.A. (1983) Beleidseffektiviteit en waterkwaliteitsbeleid: een bestuurskundig onderzoek. Diss. T.S.-Twente.

Doorn, J. Van and F. Van Fught (1978) Forecasting: Methoden en technieken voor toekomstonderzoek . Assen: Van Gorcum.

Galtung, J. (1967) Theory and Methods of Social Research. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget.

Geurts, J.L.A. (1981) Model en spel: de bijdrage van simulatie aan de planning van lange termijn sociale processen. Diss Nijmegen.

Jansen, A.J. (1975) Constructing Tomorrow's Agriculture: Report on a Cross-National Research into Alternative Futures for European Agriculture . Wageningen.

10.

Klabbers, J.H.G. (1976) "Interactieve simulatie: on-line interactie tussen mens en machine voor de bestudering en besturing van sociale systemen,"in H. A. Becker (ed.) Simulatie in de social Wetenschappen. Alphen a.d. Rijn: Samson.

11.

Langen, L. H. de (1971) Het besturen van een onderneming. Groningen: Wolters-Noordhof.

12.

Mesarovic, M.D. , D. Macko , and Y. Takahara (1970) Theory of Hierarchical Multilevel Systems. New York: Academic Press.

13.

Mesarovic, M.D. and E. Pestel (1974) "Multilevel computer model of world development system." Proceedings of the symposium held at IIASA , Laxenburg.

14.

Newman, W.H. , C.E. Summer , and E.K. Warren (1967) The Process of Management : Concepts, Behaviour, and Practice. Englewood Cliffs. NJ: Prentice-Hall.