Gates and Rationality
The challenge is that there exist a host of factors that impede the application of the unitary rational actor assumption. A rational process would involve exactly what the SECDEF describes. The issue (which I’ve been thinking about a great deal over the past month) is that history indicates that rational policymaking and strategic assessment is the rare exception and not the rule. While we focus on their rational justifications, policy and strategy are often the emergent result of a seething interaction of organizational inertia, personal goals, desires, and fears.The key is to make sure that the strategy and risk assessment drives the procurement, rather than the other way around.
I agree with the SECDEF. I am, however, humbled by the difficulty of obtaining this key.
Great comment. I completely agree, having seen said behavior in the development and procurement of chem-bio defense equipment. Doesn’t matter what defense acquisition program area is chosen, we see this lack of analysis. And then, to add insult to injury, they write up a QDR or modernization plan that “rationalizes” all their decisions.
Comment by Jason — October 3, 2008 @ 11:44 am