Weber's Action Theory and Lowi's Policy Types in Formulation, Enactment, and Implementation

In: Policy studies journal: an international journal of public policy, Band 18, Heft 4, S. 887-905

Abstract

Theodore Lowi's functional policy taxonomy (see SA 14:2-3/66B9288) is described & expanded by adding Max Weber's motivational social action construct in order to enable more analytically precise categories & resolve current disagreement over a policy's position in Lowi's framework. Weber's social action categories are outlined (traditional, affective, value rational, instrumentally rational), stressing the public policy action context, & the Weberian model is applied to the categories distributive, redistributive, regulatory, & constituent policy. A particular orientation toward social action in the formulation stage is argued to evolve toward a particular policy arena in the enactment stage, in turn leading to a particular implementation (design theme). 4 Tables, 27 References. Adapted from the source document.