Definitions of terms
To Increment = To increase or add
Incremental policymaking relies on negotiation rather than on a complete analysis of the situation to develop a blueprint for solving problems.
It is less concerned with “correctly” solving the problem than with making an advance (Lindblom, 1977). It is sometimes called the “acting out” approach: Urgency => Quick solution (Johnson and Clark, 1982)
The incremental approach to policymaking is built on the following assumptions:
1- Policy options are based on highly uncertain knowledge
2- No correct solution can therefore be found, then no drastic reforms should be attempted
3- Only incremental and limited policy adjustments can be made
4- These adjustments should be tentative--and in some cases temporary- and must be revised as the dynamics of the situation evolve.