A Theory-Driven Design Approach to Collaborative Policy Making Processes

Abstract

In this paper, we consider improving collaborative policy making processes. We suggest Collaboration Engineering (CE) as an approach that can be useful in enhancing these processes. However, CE needs a theoretical basis to guide the design. This basis is provided by the quality dimensions and the causal theory. We therefore present a theory that provides an understanding of what makes good policies in policy making. This understanding should lead to design choices that should be taken into account to design quality collaborative policy making processes. To determine the quality dimensions of good policies, we use field exploratory studies and literature in the policy making domain research. Furthermore, we consider cause and effect relationships for these quality dimensions to derive the theory.