Policy analysis in historical perspective

Abstract

Policy analysis derives from a long tradition of assessing the activities of government. The most sophisticated analyses are distinguished by their concern to identify linkages between variables that represent causes and effects of social conditions, or the impacts to be expected from policy details. Inherent in their sophistication are methodological choices which invite dispute. Because of the controversies they generate, such analyses may contribute more to the knowledge about policy making than to the support of policy options.

Citation

Sharkansky, I. (1995), "Policy analysis in historical perspective", Journal of Management History (Archive), Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552529510082822