1. A Dual System Approach to Policy Process
Krzysztof Kasianiuk, Collegium Civitas
International Conference of Public Policy
Milan, July 2015

2. The complexity of policy process
Popular and scientific knowledge says that policy processes are complex (substance of the issues vs. organization of decision making)
The growing number and variety of problems and policy process definitions and theories (e.g. Peters 2005, Sabatier 2007) shows the need for a common ground for communication, and – maybe – a methodological approach
Policy scholars need to answer at least two questions simultaneously:
what is happening in the system/ what is being changed?
how is it happening / how the change of the system happens?

3. Why Dual System Approach (DSA)?
The DSA is aimed at providing a methodological framework for policy analysis based on abstract set of systems theory concepts, including: elements, relations (links), structure and interaction (Easton 1979). It is not a theoretical framework
DSA is an open-ended task – it allows for modification. At the moment it is primarily considered as a tool of analysis of the processes regardless on the level of analysis (national vs. international)

4. Two system identification models
Black box
White box

5. The basic assumption of DSA
Policy process is defined as a purposeful, and rationalized intervention in certain sphere of activity of particular society (e.g. public health, education), involving communication and interdependence of actors.
An analysis of policy process should cover:
goal-oriented changes – black box aspect
intaractions of actors in a multimesional structure – white box aspect

6. Three PHASES 1. The black box phase. 2. The white box phase.
what is being changed?
2. The white box phase.
who or what is doing what and why?
3. Conclusions.
who/what influenced what and in what way?

7. Three types of analysis
The structural analysis is supposed to enable the discovery of the multi-dimensionality of relations between actors within the policy process of different levels
Network analysis as the starting point?
The analysis of interactions is supposed to unveil the dynamics of behavior between the political actors in the particular policy process.
Interpretative methods?
The analysis of influence is supposed to integrate the structural analysis with the analysis of interactions in each of the two phases.

8. The DSA matrix – preliminary questions
Black box phase
White box phase
Conclusions
Structural analysis
what is changed in the system the public policy was aimed at?
How the policy process changes the structure of public intervention process?
Analysis of interactions
what is changed in the patterns of mutual relations in the system in effect of policy process?
How the policy process changes the patterns of behavior of political actors throughout the policy process?
Analysis of influence ?
The starting point of the analysis could in either of the 4 cells

9. Three starting questions in DSA
WHEN: when the evaluation of the policy should take place?
WHAT: what problems/issues the policy is addressing? what institutions (should) take part?
WHO: which policy-makers, stakeholders and publics to include?
The time span (series of events) is essential for rationalization of the process.

10. VALIDATION: From structure analysis to analysis of interactions (parliament 1989-2015)
O-B, D
G-L, D
O-L, D
O-B, D
S, Pro
S, Con

11. Thank you!