Policy Sciences: The Discipline and Profession

The current international status of policy sciences is evaluated, & areas of imminent inquiry in the field are proposed. Key characteristics of the discipline are outlined, including policy application & orientation, emphasis on contextuality, & multidisciplinary approach; challenges facing professionals due to the proliferation of so-called "policy analysts" & to deficiencies in normative policy-making considerations are reviewed. Concerns of potential clients are also identified, including inapplicability, incompleteness, & political manipulation or nonutility of commissioned analyses; the need to strengthen professional credibility through standards & attention to overall societal needs is emphasized. L. Whittemore.