Policy Analysis as Problem Solving by Rachel Meltzer Alex Schwartz

Author:Rachel Meltzer, Alex Schwartz [Rachel Meltzer, Alex Schwartz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781138630178
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2018-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

Step 1: Determine Who or What Has Standing

We have mentioned the concept of standing before. When considering which criteria to include in the analysis in Chapter 4, the analyst first needed to assess which stakeholders or interests should be reflected. The same logic applies in the context of CBA. Before isolating which particular costs and benefits are included, the analyst needs to determine which individuals or entities “count” in the CBA. Whose benefits and costs will be counted when calculating the net benefit? Whose preferences should be included? Should the interests of future generations be counted? Should those of other countries, states, or cities be considered? For example, we distinguished between the federal government and the noncustodial parent, and how the former might not be directly relevant when assessing state-level policy solutions. In calculating the costs and benefits of a policy, should the children themselves be included as separate interests?

These are not trivial decisions. The omission (or inclusion) of particular stakeholders can dramatically change the magnitude and sign of the net benefit calculation. However, a clear delineation of who or what is counted is necessary mathematically, as the analyst needs to know which values to include or exclude. The determination of standing also makes a statement about which interests are most directly affected by the central problem (and, in turn, the proposed policies to address it) (Trumbell 1990). Whittington and MacRae (1986) argue that the determination of standing is a political and philosophical exercise, while others, like Zerbe (1991) and Sen (2001) say it entirely depends on legally enshrined rights. As we discuss in more detail, it is possible for a stakeholder to have standing in the overall analysis, but not in the CBA. There are myriad reasons why certain interests are better captured as non-monetized values.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.