Policy Writing Basics

Definition of Public Policy

• Public policy refers to whatever governments choose to do or not to do.
• According to James E. Anderson (1984), public policies have important consequences for our well-being and happiness.
• T. Birkland's definition of policy is a statement by the government of what it intends to do with a particular problem.

Policy Papers

• A policy paper is a decision-making tool that provides a comprehensive and persuasive argument justifying the policy recommendations presented.
• A policy paper aims to persuade a target audience that the position taken is the best one, based on a thorough discussion of all options.
• A well-researched and well-written policy paper is essential.
• A policy paper should have an introduction, identification and explanation of the problem, viable options with evidence-based explanation, and a recommendation that is persuasive enough to sway decision-makers.

Policy Brief

• A policy brief presents a concise summary of information to help readers understand and make decisions about government policies.
• A policy brief provides objective summaries of relevant research, suggests possible policy options, or argues for particular courses of action.
• A policy brief is a short document that provides information about a policy and proposes categorical and detailed recommendations to improve it.
• A policy brief should be informative, detailed, and persuasive, with enough details to assume that policy-makers do not have sufficient knowledge of the complex issue.

Organization of a Policy Brief

• A policy brief should have the following elements:
  • Title
  • Introductory paragraph
  • Description of the problem
  • Description of the policy
  • Analysis of the policy in terms of its weakness and strengths
  • Recommendations that you wish to propose and be adopted
  • Conclusion (should be sharp and persuasive)

Length and Style of a Policy Brief

• A policy brief should be approximately 3-5 single-spaced pages.
• The writing style should be straightforward and concise, with no unnecessary information.
• The title and evidence used in the policy brief are also important.

What is a Policy Brief?

• A policy brief presents a concise summary of information to help readers understand and make decisions about government policies.
• It may give objective summaries of relevant research, suggest possible policy options, or argue for particular courses of action.

Importance of Policy Briefs

• Policy briefs provide informed decision-making tools for policymakers.
• They help policymakers make informed decisions by providing a comprehensive and persuasive argument justifying policy recommendations.

Elements of a Policy Brief

• Title
• Introductory paragraph
• Description of the problem
• Description of the policy
• Analysis of the policy in terms of its weaknesses and strengths
• Recommendations
• Conclusion (must be sharp and persuasive)

Characteristics of a Policy Brief

• Approximately 3-5 single-spaced pages
• Must address and discuss all points necessary to educate and persuade policymakers
• Writing style: straightforward and concise
• Evidence-based: backed-up by valid arguments and evidence

What is Public Policy?

• Whatever governments choose to do or not to do
• Policy making is essentially public, and the public is the source of political authority

Definition of Policy

• A statement by the government of what it intends to do with a particular problem

Policy Papers

• A decision-making tool to provide a comprehensive and persuasive argument justifying policy recommendations
• Aims to persuade a target audience that the position presented is the best one based on thorough discussion of all options

This quiz covers the fundamentals of writing a policy, including the importance of evidence-based policy advice. Learn how to create effective policies that benefit society.