Final answer:
When policy makers seek merely satisfactory solutions, they demonstrate 'satisficing.' This is the pursuit of adequacy in decision-making, often due to political trade-offs, which may not yield the most efficient or optimal policy outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When policy makers opt for solutions that are merely satisfactory rather than the best or most efficient, they are exhibiting a behavior known as satisficing. This term describes a decision-making strategy that aims for a satisfactory or adequate result, not necessarily the best possible solution.
In economic terms, this may lead to a more wasteful utilization of resources and a less responsive approach to the demands of the people. When policy makers engage in satisficing, they often make trade-offs that reflect a balancing act between various interest groups' demands and political pressures, rather than purely aiming for economic efficiency or optimal policy outcomes.
Meanwhile, while citizen's individual actions and interests can influence policy, substantial change is frequently only achievable through official policy with the power to enforce widespread change. However, this can lead to policy gridlock when decision-makers cannot agree on policies, which results in inaction often becoming a default policy.