The lessons of learning: Reconciling theories of policy learning and policy change

Abstract

Several different explanations of policy change based on notions of learning have emerged in the policy literature to challenge conventional conflict-oriented theories. These include notions of 'political-learning' developed by Heclo, 'policy-oriented learning' developed by Sabatier, 'lesson-drawing' analyzed by Rose, 'social learning' discussed by Hall and 'government learning' identified by Etheredge. These different concepts identify different actors and different effects with each different type of learning. Some elements of these theories are compatible, while others are not. This article examines each approach in terms of who learns, what they learn, and the effects of learning on subsequent policies. The conclusion is that three distinct types of learning have often been incorrectly juxtaposed. Certain conceptual, theoretical and methodological difficulties attend any attempt to attribute policy change to policy learning, but this does not detract from the important reorientation of policy analysis that this approach represents.

Policy learning and policy change: learning from research citations

“…To date, various conceptual and theoretical frameworks as useful approaches have helped facilitate understanding of the various definitions, forms, processes, effects and limitations of learning with particular emphasis on organisational, institutional and policy change as well as its relationship with policy transfer. The study by Bennett and Howlett (1992), drawing on insights from the existing literature, is prominent theoretical perspectives that has proliferated and gained prominence. The purpose of this paper was to systematically identify the academic impact of the 1992 article through citation analysis.…”

“…This paper reflects on how the article has been used in learning literature. Bennett and Howlett (1992) offer a review of the literature on policy change based on different conceptualisations of learning. Although the then existing conventional explanations of policy change explained state actions and policy change as a product of social pressures and conflicts (i.e.…”

Learning to shield – Policy learning in socio-technical transitions

“…testing the 'policy theory'. Rather, trial-and-error searching can simply yield insights into the desirability of policy outcomes (Bennett and Howlett 1992;May 1992). Several policy scientists have distinguished different types of policy learning.…”

Value of Public Administration Management to International Relations: Scaffolding an Inter-Disciplinary Research Agenda

“…Evaluation talks about the politics of evaluation (Palumbo, 1987), policy successes and failures (McConnell, 2013), policy learning and feedback (Bennett & Howlett, 1992), public participation (Hendriks, 2013) and policy (non)-termination (Geva-May, 2001). It will be interesting to note the different nuances of politics in the evaluation of IPPs; will policy failures be covered up and only successes sung?…”