Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2021 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements in respect of Incremental Model of Policy Formulation:
(1) The concept of incrementalism in policy formulation is put forwarded by Robert Dahl.
(ii) The disjointed policy making depicts policy making as a process of muddling through.
(iii) The synoptic model of policy formulation acknowledges man’s limited problem solving capacities.
(iv) Disjointed incrementalism explains governmental decision making.
(v) Logical incrementalism explains strategy formulation in large and complex business organisations.
Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
Tap an option to check your answer.
Show answer & explanation
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (C) (ii), (iv) and (v)
(i)The concept of incrementalism in policy formulation is put forwarded by Robert Dahl-Incorrect
- The concept of incrementalism in policy formulation was put forward by Charles E. Lindblom, not Robert Dahl. Lindblom introduced the incremental model in his famous 1959 article "The Science of Muddling Through." While Robert Dahl was also a prominent political scientist known for his work on pluralism and democracy.
(ii)The disjointed policy making depicts policy making as a process of muddling through-Correct
- Disjointed incrementalism, as described by Lindblom, does depict policy making as a process of "muddling through." This means that policy makers do not make comprehensive rational decisions but instead make small, incremental adjustments to existing policies based on limited information, political feasibility, and practical constraints. The term "muddling through" captures the imperfect, gradual, and pragmatic nature of real-world policy making.
(iii)The synoptic model of policy formulation acknowledges man’s limited problem solving capacities-Incorrect
- It is the incremental model, not the synoptic model, that acknowledges man’s limited problem-solving capacities. The synoptic (or rational-comprehensive) model assumes that decision-makers can comprehensively analyse all alternatives and make fully rational choices. Incrementalism was developed precisely as a critique of the synoptic model, recognising that human cognitive abilities and available information are limited.
(iv)Disjointed incrementalism explains governmental decision making-Correct
- Disjointed incrementalism specifically explains governmental decision making. Lindblom developed this concept to describe how governments typically make policy decisions — through small, incremental steps rather than sweeping comprehensive reforms, involving negotiation, bargaining, and compromise among multiple actors.
(v)Logical incrementalism explains strategy formulation in large and complex business organisations-Correct
- Logical incrementalism, a concept developed by James Brian Quinn, explains strategy formulation in large and complex business organisations. Quinn argued that successful organisations develop their strategies incrementally but in a logical and purposeful manner, blending formal planning with informal learning and adaptation.
