Mixed Scanning

8/3/2019 Mixed Scanning

1/16

Click to edit Master subtitle style4/27/12

MIXED SCANNING

APPROACH

PLANNING


2/16

PLANNING

4/27/12

INTRODUCTION

The mixed scanning model tries to involve thestrengths of the rational planning model andthe incremental planning model and to eliminatethe weaknesses.

It is based on bounded instrumental rationality. Sociologist Amitai Etzioni found fault with both the

rational-comprehensive model of decision makingand the incremental model of decision making. Hismixed scanning approach considers both

fundamental and incremental decisions.

Mixed scanning incorporates a broad-basedanalysis sometimes and an in-depth analysis atother times. It considers the differing capacities ofdecision makers. Etzionis approach is not very

specific about how mixed scanning could be used inractice.


3/16

4/27/12

The RationalComprehensive Model

The rational comprehensive model is based on the reasoning ofeconomists, mathematicians, and psychologists.

It assumes that

the decision maker can identify the problem,

the decision maker's goals, values, and objectives are clear andranked in accord with their importance

that alternative ways of addressing the problem are considered

the cost and benefits or advantages and disadvantages of each

alternative are investigated

alternatives and their consequences can be compared with otheralternatives

the decision maker will choose the alternative that maximizes theattainment of his or her goals, values, and objectives.


4/16

4/27/12

The RationalComprehensive ModelHowever,

problems are not always clearly defined; problems have to beformulated in a way which enables people to make decisions aboutthem.

Decision makers must have vast amounts of information in order tomake use of the rational comprehensive decision-makingtechnique.

There needs to be an ability to predict the future consequences ofdecisions made.

Also, problems confronting decision makers often embodyconflicting values.

In addition, it is tough to ignore the sunk costs of former decisions,these may foreclose many alternatives.

Moreover, this model of decision-making assumes that there is one(unitary) decision maker, when in fact a great many people,


5/16

4/27/12

The Incremental Theory

Attempts to correct deficiencies of the rational comprehensive modeland to better describe how policy decision makers actually behavehave resulted in incremental theory.

Incremental theory holds that the selection of goals and objectives isintertwined with, not distinct from, the scientific analysis of the

problem.

Decision makers only consider alternatives for dealing with a problemthat differs marginally (incrementally) from existing policies(suggesting that they do not completely remake policy every timethey make a policy decision, but instead refashion existing policy).

For each alternative, only important consequences are considered.

Problems confronting the decision maker are continually redefined.

Constant ends-means and, means-ends adjustments are made tobetter manage policy.

Seldom are there ever single decisions or totally correct solutions


6/16

4/27/12

-RATIONAL MODEL AND

INCREMENTAL THEORYA rationalistic approach to decision-making requiresgreater resources than decision-makers command.The incremental strategy, which takes into accountthe limited capacity of actors, fosters decisions which

neglect basic societal innovations.Mixed-scanning reduces the unrealistic aspects ofrationalism by limiting the details required infundamental decisions and helps to overcome the

conservative slant of incrementalism by exploringlonger-run alternatives. (Incremental decisions tendto imply fundamental ones) The mixed scanning model makes this dualismexplicit by combining (a) high-order, fundamental

policymaking processes which set basic directions


7/16

4/27/12

MIXED SCANNINGAPPROACH


8/16

4/27/12

Central assumptions

Many incremental decisions may lead to fundamental changes.

The cumulative effect of those incremental decisions is influencedby fundamental decisions.


9/16

4/27/12

the planner

The planner is considered to be a bounded rational being,reducing the complexity of the world to an easier modelbut to a lesser extent than the incremental planner.

Overseeing the whole situation he or she has to consider

few solutions in greater detail.


10/16

4/27/12

Role of the population

The civil society is active in planning. Its needs and wantshave to be established during a consensus-building process(strategic/functional participation)


11/16

4/27/12

Planning process

Planning is carried out more decentrally than in therational planning process. Both the population and moreagencies are involved in planning. Important features of theplanning process are:

1. Objectives are set under consultations with the civilsociety.

2. Incremental decisions are made under consultation withthe population while at the same time also fewfundamental decisions are made which mark a huge

departure from the existing situation.

3. Thus, planning is considered as mixture of scientifictechnique, intuition and experience.


12/16

4/27/12

THE MIXED SCANNING MODEL- ANADAPTIVE STRATEGY

Mixed Scanning is guided by two questions:1. What is the mission to be fulfilled?2. What decisions move us towards our mission and policy?

The features A broad goal, mission, or policy guides the decision

process. Decisions are made incrementally, but with the broad

goal in mind. Consequences are assessed in terms of the goal.

Decisions are made with partial information. Then further small decisions are made if progress is

good.


13/16

4/27/12

PRINCIPLES OF MIXED SCANNING

1. Use focused trial and error.2. Be tentative--proceed with caution.3. If uncertain, procrastinate.

4. Stagger your decisions in stages.5. If uncertain, factionalize your decisions.6. Hedge your bets.7. Be prepared to reverse your decisions.


14/16

4/27/12

MixedScanning

Broad policy guidelinesare set prior togenerating alternatives.

Decision making is

focused on broad endsand tentative means.

The test of a gooddecisionis that it can be shown toresult in a satisfactorydecision that is

consistentwith the organizationspolicy.

(Adaptive satisfying)

Limit the search andanalysis toalternatives close to the

problem,

but evaluate alternativesinterms of broad policy.

Classical

Objectives are setprior to

generatingalternatives

Decision making isa means-ends

analysis: first,endsare determined,

andthen ALL the

means toobtain them are

sought.

The test of a gooddecision is that it

isshown to be the

BESTmeans to achieve

theend.

(Optimizing)

Engage incomprehensiveanal sis; all

Rational

Objectives areusuallyset prior togenerating

alternatives.

Decision making is

typically means-endsanalysis; however,occasionally ends

changeas a result of

analysis.

The test of a gooddecision

is that it can beshown toresult in a

SATISFACTORYmeans to achieve

the end;it falls within theestablished

boundaryconditions.

(Satisfying)

Engage in

Incremental

Setting objectives andgenerating alternativesare intertwined.

Because means andends are notseparable, means-

ends analysis isinappropriate.

The test of a gooddecisionis that the decisionmakers can agree analternative is the

rightdirection when the

existing course provestobe wrong.

(Successive comparing)

Drastically limit thesearchand analysis; focus onalternatives similar to

the

existing state. Manyalternatives and

important

Comparison of the Classical, Rational,Incremental,

and Mixed-Scanning Models of

Decision Making


15/16

4/27/12

REFERENCES

Mixed scanning a third approach to decision making Amitai Etzioni (Columbia University Press)

Mixed scanning revisited Amitai Etzioni (GeorgeWashington University Press)

Humble decision making Amitai Etzioni


16/16

4/27/12

THANK YOU

Mixed Scanning

Documents

Transcript of Mixed Scanning