INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (IPAM)
UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE
FACULTY OF LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
Module: Public Policy Formulation and Implementation
Module Code: PSM 222 Course: BSc. Public Sector Management Level: UG Year 2 Semester: 2nd Academic: 2023/24 Lecturer: Osman Thaimu Kamara - Contact: +23276 723064 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Course Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Understand the concepts, definitions and different theories of public policy process 2. Know the various models of formulating public policy including the structures and interactions at different levels in the policy system/subsystem 3. Know what is referred to as policy brief, its importance and the targeted stakeholders. They should be familiar with writing a policy brief on any policy matter. 4. Identify and analyze challenges and areas for potential improvement during policy implementation. Course Outline Week Topic 1&2 Introduction to Public Policy - Concept and definitions - Characteristics of Public Policy - Theories of Public Policy 3&4 Public Policy Formulation - Models of Public Policy Formulation 5&6 Policy Brief - Structure and format - Importance - Targeted stakeholders 7&8 Policy Implementation - Stakeholders in Policy Implementation - Challenges in Policy Implementation 9 Test & Revision 10 General Revision
Page 1 of 5 Lecture one – Introduction to Public Policy Several scholars defined Public Policy in several ways. Here are some examples:
Brooks (1989) defined public policy as "authoritative decisions made in the governmental arena that are intended to deal with a specific problem or issue. These decisions are made by public officials and agencies and are implemented through laws, regulations, and other instruments of government action." According to this definition, public policy involves the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of decisions made by government authorities to address issues of public concern.
Meir and Bohte (2007) defined policy as a purposive course of action followed by actors or sets of actors usually related to the government on a problem or matters of public concern.
Ikelegbe (2006) explained public policy to mean a course of action that is chosen from among several alternatives by certain actors in response to certain problems
Once formulated, policies guide behaviour, activities, and practices and provide a framework for present and future decisions.
The Characteristics of Public Policy
i. Public policy is formulated and implemented by government institutions; therefore, it is
authoritative and binding on all members of society. I.e. it has the force of law. Public policy is formulated and implemented by government institutions at various levels of governance, including local, state, and national governments. These government institutions play a crucial role in shaping the rules, regulations, and programs that guide societal behavior and address public issues. Government institutions develop operational plans, allocate resources, and oversee the implementation of policies to achieve their intended objectives.
ii. Public policy is largely influenced by political considerations and is mostly formulated through a political process: It involves the interaction of various stakeholders, including government officials, interest groups, and the general public. This is because politicians, who are elected or appointed to create and implement policy, often prioritize the interests of their constituents and their own political agendas. This can lead to policy decisions that are not always based on purely rational or objective criteria, but rather on what is perceived to be politically expedient.
iii. Public policy is made either in response to a problem or to prevent or avert a problem that is of public concern. It is driven by public needs and interests and is designed to address specific concerns or challenges. For instance, policies can be developed to fight against drug abuse as it poses a clear and present danger to society. Environmental protection policies can be rolled out to preserve the environment and avert environmental disasters.
iv. Public policy covers a wide range of people, groups, and institutions: Its impact can be broad and far-reaching, and can influence the behavior and well-being of people in society. When policymakers create and implement policies, they consider the diverse interests and perspectives of various stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups, among others.
Page 2 of 5 v. Public policy is aimed at improving society's well-being by addressing social, economic, and environmental issues that affect individuals and communities. Policies are developed and implemented to promote the common good, protect individual rights, and enhance the overall quality of life for all members of society.
vi. Public policy is subject to evaluation and revision: It is often subject to review and adjustment to ensure that it is effective and in line with changing circumstances. Policy evaluation involves assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of a particular policy initiative in achieving its intended goals and outcomes. This evaluation process helps policymakers determine whether a policy is successful, needs improvement, or requires adjustment to better serve its intended purpose. Based on the evaluation findings, policymakers may choose to revise, amend, or even repeal existing policies to address shortcomings, adapt to changing circumstances, or meet evolving societal needs. Policy revision is a normal part of the policy-making process, as it allows for continuous improvement, innovation, and responsiveness to new challenges and opportunities.
vii. Public policy may be influenced by external factors: Global and regional dynamics, international relations, and economic conditions can all impact public policy decisions. Public policy may be influenced by external factors such as economic conditions, technological advancements, social trends, global events, and political developments. These external factors can shape the policy agenda, impact decision-making, and influence the implementation of policies. For example, shifts in the economy, such as recessions or economic crises, may lead policymakers to prioritize policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and financial stability. Technological advancements, such as the rise of artificial intelligence or automation, may prompt policymakers to consider new regulations or policies to address challenges related to job displacement or data privacy.
Again, global events, such as pandemics or emerging security threats, can also influence public policy decisions by necessitating immediate responses or long-term strategies to address public health and safety concerns. Political developments, such as changes in government leadership or shifts in public opinion, can also impact the policy-making process and shape the priorities of policymakers.
Theories of Public Policy
Theories on public policy are broadly categorized into two schools of thought, namely:
- The Classical School
- The Modern Theories
The classical school of thought on public policy provides a foundation for understanding the principles and assumptions that have historically guided policy formulation and implementation. It refers to the traditional approaches and perspectives that have shaped the understanding of public policy formulation and implementation. The Classical School has the following characteristics:
Page 3 of 5 Rationality: emphasis is placed on the rationality of decision-making processes in public policy. It is assumed that policymakers have clear goals, access to relevant information, and the ability to look at different options objectively.
A top-down approach to policy formulation: decisions are made by centralized authorities and implemented through hierarchical structures. This approach sometimes limits public participation and input in the policy process.
Efficiency and effectiveness: it prioritizes the efficiency and effectiveness of policy outcomes, by seeking to achieve specific goals and objectives in a direct and cost-effective manner possible.
The three classical theories of public policy are:
1. Rational comprehensive model: The rational comprehensive model emphasizes a systematic
approach to decision-making, involving a thorough analysis of all possible alternatives and their consequences. This model assumes that policymakers have clear goals, perfect information, and the ability to evaluate and compare all available options.
2. Incremental model: The incremental model suggests that policy changes are often made incrementally, building on existing policies and making small adjustments over time. This approach takes into account the complexity and interconnectedness of policy areas, recognizing the limitations of radical, sweeping reforms.
3. Elite theory: Elite theory argues that a small group of influential elites, such as political and economic leaders, have a disproportionate influence on public policy decisions. These elites are seen as having the power to shape policy outcomes based on their own interests and preferences.
Modern theories of public policy offer multidimensional perspectives on how public policy is formulated, implemented, and evaluated. These theories recognize the complexities and dynamics of the policy process and take into account a wider range of factors that influence policy outcomes. Some key characteristics of the modern theories school of thought on public policy include:
Interdependence and complexity: Modern theories acknowledge the complexity of the policy process and the interdependencies between various actors, institutions, and contextual factors. They highlight the need to consider multiple perspectives and dynamics in analyzing policy challenges and solutions.
Focus on networks and coalitions: Modern theories emphasize the role of networks, coalitions, and relationships among actors in shaping public policy outcomes. They recognize that policy change is often the result of interactions and negotiations among diverse stakeholders with competing interests and values.
Evidence-based decision-making: Modern theories advocate for the use of evidence and data in the policy process to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. They emphasize the importance of rigorous research and evaluation methods in guiding policy choices and assessing policy impact.
Page 4 of 5 Innovation and experimentation: Modern theories promote policy innovation and experimentation as ways to address complex and emergent policy challenges. They encourage policymakers to adopt flexible and adaptive approaches that allow for learning from policy failures and successes.
Some key modern theories of public policy include:
1. Advocacy coalition framework: This theory emphasizes the role of advocacy coalitions – groups of actors with similar policy preferences – in shaping public policy outcomes. It posits that policy change is the result of ongoing competition and negotiation between these coalitions, which are influenced by a range of factors including evidence, values, and political dynamics.
2. Institutionalism: Modern institutional theories focus on the role of institutions, rules, and organizational structures in shaping public policy. These theories argue that the design and function of institutions, such as government agencies and legislative bodies, play a significant role in shaping policy outcomes.
3. Policy network theory: This theory suggests that public policy is the result of interactions and relationships between various actors, including government officials, interest groups, and other stakeholders. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the networks and relationships that influence policy formulation and implementation.
4. Multiple streams framework: This theory proposes that policy change is the result of three independent streams – problem, policy, and politics – coming together at a specific time, often triggered by a focusing event. This framework highlights the role of policy entrepreneurs in pushing for policy change when these streams align.
5. Public management theory: Modern public management theories focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector organizations. These theories emphasize the importance of performance measurement, accountability, and innovation in delivering public services.
