Identify and describe the two elements of incrementalism.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Incrementalism has two distinct elements, but both support the basic logic that making comprehensively rational policy decisions is impossible and even perhaps unwise. The empirical approach to incrementalism has examined repetitive policymaking--especially on the budget. These studies have found that the volume and the complexity of the decisions lead decision-makers to fall back on simple incremental rules of thumb rather than attempt to make some perfect allocations of funds. The assumption is that by making a series of small adjustments over time, appropriate allocation of funds will be achieved. The normative argument for incrementalism is that in the long run, better decisions are made by “successive limited comparisons” of a policy choice to the status quo and gradually adapting policies through trial and error and learning. The argument is that this allows retreats if poor initial choices are made and prevents costly investments in poorly designed programs. On the other hand, incrementalism can be seen as excessively conservative, retaining existing policies for longer than might be justified and preventing significant policy reforms