Pespective and Approaches in Policy Making

• Policies are the actions governments, groups, or institutions enact to make and improve the lives of the people better.
• Purpose of Policy


  To address the problem/s in a manner that will benefit the people.
• Policies should be well formulated to make any plans successful.
• It requires policy guidelines to implement any plans.
• Organizational plans are based on established policies.
• Planning and policy-making go together as important functions of management.
• Evidence based on research is vital to the process of policy-making.
• Policy-making is the activity of deciding on new policies, especially by a government or political party.
• Policy-making is closely related to decision-making.
• Policy-Making Process

  This involves:

  1. Problem Identification
  2. Agenda Setting
  3. Policy Formulation
  4. Policy Adoption
  5. Policy Implementation
  6. Policy Evaluation
  7. Policy Changes
• Problem Identification


  A crucial step that allows the policy-makers to address these problems through policies.
• Agenda Setting


  Phase where issues are identified and brought to the attention of policymakers. It could be done by government officials, interest groups, the media, or citizens.
• Policy Formulation


  In this step, potential solutions or policies are developed to address the identified issues. This often involves research, analysis, and consultation with experts and stakeholders.
• Policy Adoption


  Once formulated, policies need to be officially adopted by the relevant decision-making bodies, such as legislative bodies, government agencies, or executive officials.
• Policy Implementation


  After adoption, the policies are put into practice. This involves developing specific procedures, allocating resources, and assigning responsibilities to relevant agencies or departments.
• Policy Evaluation


  Evaluation is essential to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the policy. It helps policymakers understand whether the policy is achieving its intended goals and whether any adjustments are needed.
• Policy Change


  Based on the evaluation results, policymakers may decide to revise, amend, or terminate the policy altogether. This step closes the feedback loop and allows for continuous improvement in policy-making.
• Public Policy


  A set of actions the government takes to approach the problem of a society as a group. The policies are made on behalf of the public to resolve a specific issue. Initially crafted by the legislative, executive, or judiciary and are evaluated by policy analysts, experts, media and political leaders.
• Approaches to Public Policy


  The following:

  1. Political Systems Theory
  2. Group Theory
  3. Institutionalism / Institutional Approach
  4. Rational Choice Theory
  5. Game Theory
  6. Incremental Model
• Political Systems Theory


  It recognizes that policies are responses to demands/interests expressed by individuals, groups, and organizations within society. Policies are the tangible outputs of the political system. They take various forms, including laws and programs, achieving particular objectives.
• Group Theory


  Suggests that policymaking is largely driven by the interactions and conflicts among various interest groups in society. Seek to advance their interests by influencing government decisions, for example, through lobbying.
• Lobbying


  Individuals with special interests cannot simply contact policy-makers about their interests. Lobbying is the part where these interests are first provided to the interest groups, and these interest groups will be ones contacting these policy-makers.
• Professional Groups (Pressure Groups)


  Campaigning problems faced by certain professionals.
• Economic Groups (Pressure Groups)


  Aiming to voice the protection of the economic interests of its members by influencing government and business policies.
• Social Groups (Pressure Groups)


  paying attention to social issues such as human rights and influencing government policies or decisions.
• Institutionalism / Institutional Approach


  This approach focuses on the role of institutions, such as government agencies, legislatures, and interest groups, in shaping public policy. It emphasizes the influence of institutional structures, rules, and processes on policy outcomes.
• Rational Choice Theory


  Policymakers carefully analyze problems, identify goals, evaluate alternative solutions, and select the most efficient and effective policy option.
• Game Theory


  The idea of competition and cooperation resulted in the formation of incentives for greater satisfaction of all. Game theory helps identify strategic choices, potential outcomes, and equilibrium points in policymaking situations, providing insights into how policies may evolve and what factors may influence their success or failure.
• Incremental Model


  Policymaking is characterized by small, incremental changes rather than large-scale reforms. It suggests that policymakers build on existing policies and adjustments over time, rather than pursuing radical shifts.
• Consideration in Policy Making


  Considerations:

  1. Research and consult to determine the policy focus and establish legal foundations.
  2. Develop a structured process ensuring each actor's vital and effective participation.
  3. Prioritize improving the quality of life for all people over benefiting a select few in a politicized context.
  4. Implement an accountability system to hold policymakers responsible.