Use of analogies
This tool draws on comparative experience to structure policy problems. Studies repeatedly show that policymakers tend to ignore both past similar problems that could contain lessons for the present and current similar problems experienced by neighboring jurisdictions. Many sound policies are developed through comparative analysis of the experiences of other similar jurisdictions: The Washington DC, homicide unit used this technique in its recentralization effort, which was linked with later increases in crime-clearance rates; and the United States has looked to California and Massachusetts to determine the impact of universal health insurance and managed care. The United States is still looking for a successful model of health care cost control in a large country! Countries such as Canada and Switzerland are excellent models for expanded coverage but do not control their costs measurably better than the current US system. Tendencies to think that problems are new or must be solved alone ignore the significance of past efforts to grapple with similar issues. For example, over several decades many cities and states have attempted to reform their public budgeting systems, converting them from input to output program measurement tools for management control and policy planning. Many jurisdictions made the same mistakes, over emphasizing technical measurement and fixed definitions of programs and subprograms. In the quest for superficial technical reform, leaders often ignored line manage ment incentives or the authority needed to manage any program. They also ignored legislative interest in object-of-expenditure or line-item formats. Many failures have resulted. The availability of nonthreatening institutional advice from such professional associations as the Government Finance Officers Association and the International City Management Association might have helped penetrate the thicket of isolated policymaking among self-sealing organizations. Demand for comparative reform lessons would have allowed city officials to draw upon the technical experience of their associates in neigh boring jurisdictions and to avoid the same costly errors.