Inquiries into the Quality of Administrative Decisionmaking

There are four dominant perspectives on the evaluation of administrative decisions. These perspectives differ fundamentally. Legal scholars are inclined to conceive of administrative decision-making as the application of general law to specific cases. Policy analysts see administrative decisions as interventions in ongoing societal processes, aimed at reducing problems or attaining policy objectives. Political scientists see administrative decision-making as something akin to cutting Gordian knots. An administrative decision puts an end to any debate for or against and starts the phase of implementing whichever alternative gained majority support. Economists see administrative decisions as investments in the total welfare of society