FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH AND METHODS An Academic presentation by Dr. Nancy Agens, Head, Technical Operations, Statswork Group www.statswork.com Email: info@statswork.com TODAY'S DISCUSSION Outline of Topics Introduction Characteristics of Public Policy Features of Public Policy Types of Public Policy Models of Policy Making Foundation Approaches to Public Policy Introduction Public policies can be defined as the decision taken by government in order to achieve certain goals and objectives formulated for the welfare of its people. Implementing and formulating the policies decided are based on a properly oriented pattern. In other words the associated government agencies should be able to observe a well defined relation between the policies implemented and formulated in order to decide the course of their activities. Characteristics of Public Policy Goal oriented: The public policies defined by different organizations are formulated on the basis of a certain goal or are planned keeping in mind a particular goal which will be beneficial for the people of the country. Public policies indicates the government’s perspective towards existing policies and also leads to framing of new law and orders, ordinances etc. Another significant characteristic of public policy is that it depicts the interest and concern of government to a scrupulous issue of the masses. Features of Public Policy The process of public policy includes different components which are able to communicate with each other and employ different methods for communicating with each other. The public policy involves different activities that are continuously working in a structure. There are different components of policy making, which have their own contribution, values, restrictions or special conditions and issues. This feature of the policy making indicates that the different components of policy making impose their own contribution to the policy formulated. Contd.. The process of policy making imposes different guidelines which are to be followed. This feature of policy making presents numerous elements of uncertainty which is actually the basic tone of majority of the policy making processes. Public policies are mostly enabled or formulated by governmental bodies. Under some conditions or for some special parts of the policies the perspective of private organizations is also considered. Undeniably, the public policies are specially designed for achieving the public interest. Types of Public Policy There are several types of public policy. A snippet of each of them is given as follows: like substantive, regulatory, distributive, redistributive etc. Substantive: These policies are mostly associated with the welfare and development of the general masses. Regulatory: These policies exhibit their association with formulating different policies for trade, business activities etc. Distributive: These policies are specially planned for some particular segments of society such as health services, public welfare etc. Redistributive: These policies are actually distributive policies which are redesigned or modified in accordance with social and economic changes. Contd.. Fig 1. Types of Public Policy Models of Policy Making Group Theoretic Model: A group includes some individuals who possess certain common characteristics and relationship. These groups are classified into different categories such as formal, informal etc. Elite Theoretical Model: This model suggests that a policy is caused by elites, depicting their values and fulfilling their needs. The model reflects that the society is categorized into few who have power and some who do not have power. This policy is then put into action by bureaucracy. Contd.. Institutional model: This model explains that the public policies are framed and then put into action by institutions. These institutions are not only responsible for deciding how to frame the policies rather they also decide content to be included in policy. Rational model: This model rather than deciding the different aspects of policy aims at estimating its efficiency on the basis of benefits and losses caused by it socially, economically and politically. Foundation Approaches to Public Policy Provide financial support for different public policies which can exhibit better impact of the policy. Offer information from numerous sources which can present the views towards existing and upcoming policy issues. Establish strong connectivity between individuals and organizations, thus putting different resources and skills fostering discussion on various policy issues. Establish reputation as promising policy makers. Contact Us UNITED KINGDOM +44-1143520021 INDIA +91-4448137070 EMAIL info@statswork.com
