Question

Who among the following thinkers developed the 'garbage-can model' of organisational theory?

• A. Michael Cohen
• B. James Buchanan
• C. Robert Michels
• D. Charles Lindblom

Hint:

The Garbage-Can Model (Cohen, March, Olsen) says that organizations are messy. Instead of solving problems rationally, they often just find "Solutions looking for Problems."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The Garbage-Can Model is a theory of organizational decision-making that challenges the traditional "rational" model. It was developed by Michael D. Cohen, James G. March, and Johan P. Olsen in their 1972 paper, *A Garbage Can Model of Organizational Choice*.

Step 1: Organized Anarchies.
The model describes decision-making in "organized anarchies"—organizations characterized by problematic preferences, unclear technology, and fluid participation (like universities or large government bureaucracies). In such environments, decisions do not follow a neat, logical path.

Step 2: The Four Streams.
The model posits that four independent "streams" float around inside an organization:
• Problems: Issues requiring attention.
• Solutions: Ideas looking for problems to solve.
• Participants: People with varying amounts of time and energy.
• Choice Opportunities: Occasions when a decision is expected (meetings, etc.).

Step 3: The "Garbage Can" Metaphor.
A decision (a "choice") happens when these four streams happen to meet. The "garbage can" is the choice opportunity into which various problems and solutions are dumped by participants as they are generated. Decisions are often made not because they solve a problem, but because a solution and a problem happened to collide at the right moment.