Authors: Chumki Bose
Abstract: Policymaking is frequently shaped not only by formal institutions and evidence-based reasoning, but also by embedded belief systems, cognitive biases, institutional cultures, political narratives, and socio-cultural assumptions. This paper develops an integrated behavioral–institutional framework for systematically identifying and transforming hidden belief systems within policymaking processes. The study integrates behavioral economics, institutional theory, organizational psychology, public policy analysis, and development studies. It proposes a mixed-method research design combining cognitive mapping, discourse analysis, behavioral experimentation, and policy outcome analytics. The paper argues that sustainable policy innovation requires not only structural reforms but also epistemic and cognitive reforms within institutions. Keywords: policymaking, belief systems, behavioral economics, institutional theory, governance, public policy, organizational psychology, adaptive institutions.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20321858
