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Decisions as Dynamic Equilibriums in Erratic Policy Processes

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  • Arwin van Buuren
  • Lasse Gerrits

Abstract

Policy processes are anything but static. In this paper an evolutionary framework derived from complexity theory is explored to explain how policy processes evolve in a non-linear way and how they result in a chain of subsequent policy decisions. Policy change is explained by tracing the way in which the various substituting elements of policy processes influence each other and cause, and are subject to, positive and negative feedback. Policy decisions form internally a temporal stable equilibrium between practical ambitions, normative points of view and factual claims, and externally a temporal equilibrium between policy processes that compete with each other for attention and legitimacy. This theoretical framework is illustrated by an in-depth case study on policy-making on the long-term development of the Westerschelde estuary running between Flanders and the Netherlands. The article concludes with a reflection on the added value of complexity theory for policy analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Arwin van Buuren & Lasse Gerrits, 2008. "Decisions as Dynamic Equilibriums in Erratic Policy Processes," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 381-399, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:pubmgr:v:10:y:2008:i:3:p:381-399
    DOI: 10.1080/14719030802003038
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    Cited by:

    1. Pietro Previtali & Eugenio Salvati, 2021. "Area Social Plans and Local Governance of Interorganizational Collaborations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, January.
    2. G. Biesbroek & Catrien Termeer & Judith Klostermann & Pavel Kabat, 2014. "Analytical lenses on barriers in the governance of climate change adaptation," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 19(7), pages 1011-1032, October.
    3. Jitske van Popering-Verkerk & Arwin van Buuren, 2016. "Decision-Making Patterns in Multilevel Governance: The contribution of informal and procedural interactions to significant multilevel decisions," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(7), pages 951-971, August.
    4. Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle & Edwige Cavan & Lukas Pilz & Silvio Daniele Oggioni & Arianna Crosta & Veranika Kaleyeva & Peshang Hama Karim & Filip Szarvas & Tobiasz Naryniecki & Maximilian Jungmann, 2023. "Interlinkages between Climate Change Impacts, Public Attitudes, and Climate Action—Exploring Trends before and after the Paris Agreement in the EU," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-19, May.

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