Strategic Management Thought

Typology of Problem Definition Theories and its prism of light spectrum in Policy Analysis.

Document Type : مقاله علمی - مروری

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Public Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Doctoral student of public policy making, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran (corresponding author).

Abstract

Oftentimes, policy failure refers to the wrong definition of a policy problem. This is a pervasive challenge in various fields, especially public policy analysis studies, which are also referred to in different terms. In practice, too, the definition of a wrong problem in the form of a third type of error leads to policy problems remaining unresolved and sustainable. The cause of the third type of error should be sought for four reasons: systems of problems, different interpretations, information politics, and external changes.

In this article, while reviewing the nature of policy problem and problem definition theories, a typology of the most important policy problem theories is presented. In addition to the literature review, we will present the "Problem Definition prism of light spectrum", which describes in seven layers the intellectual spectrum of problem definition theories: purpose, theme, ontology, scientific paradigm, method, approach, and level of analysis. The present study seeks to present the complexities of the problem definition process to the viewers and to avoid simplifying the definition of policy problems.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Strategic Management Thought
Volume 16, Issue 1 - Serial Number 31
September 2022
Pages 1-36
  • Receive Date: 13 September 2020
  • Revise Date: 02 December 2022
  • Accept Date: 21 September 2020