Public Policy Stream/Process PDF

Public Policy Stream/Process PA140: PUBLIC POLICY AND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 1.PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION  Identify problem or issues that needs improvement  Government agencies will hold a meeting to identify the issue that needs to be addressed  Can be done through research, data an...

Public Policy Stream/Process PA140: PUBLIC POLICY AND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 1.PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION  Identify problem or issues that needs improvement  Government agencies will hold a meeting to identify the issue that needs to be addressed  Can be done through research, data analysis, consultations, conducting surveys, stakeholder, reviewing best practices from similar contexts, or monitoring emerging trends.  Clearly defining the problem helps in setting the policy's goals and objectives and ensuring a targeted and effective.  Publicized demands for government action can lead to identification of policy problems. 2. AGENDA SETTING  Identifying and selecting specific issues and placing them on the agenda of policymakers.  Determining which issues or problems are prioritized for policy attention and action.  Contributories in shaping public opinion: President, members of Congress, executive branch officials, political parties, interest groups, media and the general public. 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Making decisions on the best course of action to address the problem  Development of possible solutions; consideration of several alternatives  Process by which policies are developed and created. It requires understanding the policy and actors involved  Setting the goals and objective, and choosing which course of action and tools to address the issue  Policy proposals can be formulated through political channels by policy-planning organizations, interest groups, government bureaucracies, state legislatures, and the president and Congress. 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Specific - objective should be clearly stated and precise  define what you expect and provide enough detail  use plain language to avoid jargon.  use action verbs, expressing physical or mental action, as much as possible  are clear to team, partners, and another group 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Prompts to consider when writing specific objectives include:  Who will be impacted? Who is your focus population?  What do you intend to impact? 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Measurable - objective includes how the action will be measured. measuring your objectives helps you determine if you are making progress, and it keeps you on track and on schedule.  Measure: a measure is a number, percent, or standard unit used as a reference point from which change can be monitored.  Target: a target is the direction we want to move the measure, or the level we want to reach. 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Prompts to consider when writing measurable objectives include:  How much and in what direction will change occur?  What data will you use to measure?  Where will this data come from?  Is there a stand-in or proxy measure to use if you cannot directly measure this objective? If not, would another measure be more appropriate instead? 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Attainable - Objectives should be within reach for your partners, community, or team, and consider available resources, knowledge, and time. Remember, considering what's achievable for your team or organization often requires thought and discussion. 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Prompts to consider when writing achievable objectives include:  How will the group accomplish this objective?  Does the current time frame or environment help or hinder this objective? Should we scale the target or time frame up or down?  What resources will help us achieve this objective? What limitations or constraints stand in our way? 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Reliable - Relevant objectives align with a corresponding goal and with an organization or group's mission, vision, and values. They're important to partners, community members, and decision- makers, and they help achieve meaningful change for focus populations. 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Prompts to consider when writing relevant objectives include:  Will objective contribute to achieving goal?  Is it worthwhile and meaningful to measure this objective? 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Time-bound - Time-bound objectives attach a reasonable date by which an objective will happen.  Not too soon: give enough time to demonstrate success and/or the connection between action and outcome  Not too far away: don't encourage procrastination, or remove the ability to connect the dots between action and outcome 3. POLICY FORMULATION  Established goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)  Prompts to consider when writing time-bound objectives include:  Is this time frame realistic?  Should it be closer? Should it be further away?  When will the data be available? 4. LEGITIMATION  Policyis legitimized as a result of the public statements or actions of government officials; both elected and appointed—the president, Congress, state legislators, agency officials, and the courts. This includes executive orders, budgets, laws and appropriations, rules and regulations, and administrative and court decisions that set policy directions. 4. LEGITIMATION  Weighing the pros and cons of each option, considering political and societal factors, and ensuring the policy's compatibility with existing legal frameworks.  Policy is seen fair, just, and aligned with the values and norms of society. It is accepted, justified, supported and seen as valid by stakeholders and the public.  Process of seeking the approval of the legislation, public and the people affected by the policy. 4. LEGITIMATION  Example: How A Bill Becomes a Law Procedure in legislation: a bill is introduced and referred to a committee (and perhaps a sub- committee) hearings are held, the committees report to the larger body, a vote is takin in both houses, a conference committee works out differences in the 2 versions, and the bill is sent to the chief executive for his signature 4. LEGITIMATION  Legitimation in the policy stream occurs through several mechanisms: 1. Problem Recognition The policy must be first recognized as addressing a significant problem. The recognition can occur through changes in the problem stream, such as new evidence or events that highlight the problem’s severity. 4. LEGITIMATION  Legitimation in the policy stream occurs through several mechanisms: 2. Policy Entrepreneurship. Policy entrepreneurs play a crucial role in legitimation by framing policy proposals in ways that resonate with stakeholders' values and interests. They use persuasive tactics, such as appealing to moral arguments, economic benefits, or political feasibility. 4. LEGITIMATION  Legitimation in the policy stream occurs through several mechanisms: 3. Evidence and Expertise. Policies gain legitimacy when supported by evidence and the expertise of trusted authorities. Utilizing scientific research, data, and analysis strengthens the perceived validity and credibility of the policy. 4. LEGITIMATION  Legitimation in the policy stream occurs through several mechanisms: 4. Political Alignment and Support. Policies may gain legitimacy through political support from decision-makers and influential stakeholders. When policy proposals align with the values and political agendas of key actors, they are more likely to be seen as legitimate and gain support. 4. LEGITIMATION  Legitimation in the policy stream occurs through several mechanisms: 5. Public Acceptance and Participation. Policies need public acceptance to be seen as legitimate. Inclusiveness and public participation in the policy development process contribute to legitimacy, as it allows diverse perspectives to be considered. 4. LEGITIMATION  Legitimation in the policy stream occurs through several mechanisms: 6. Evaluation and Feedback. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of policies help to legitimize them. If a policy can demonstrate positive outcomes and address the problem it aims to solve, it gains further legitimacy through evidence-based evaluation. 5. IMPLEMENTATION/ POLICY ADOPTION  Implementing and enforcing or putting into action the adopted policy  Translating policy directives and objectives into specific action, programs, and activities  Transform policy decisions into operational terms in order to accomplish organizational objectives. The implementing agencies will take actions, process or activities that are directed towards the achievement of predetermine goals and objective 5. IMPLEMENTATION/ POLICY ADOPTION  Implementing agency: Government agencies and departments  Government agencies and departments – communicate and engage with stakeholders to ensure that all relevant parties are informed and involved in the implementation process.  Policymakers collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach, and potential challenges or risks are anticipated and addressed proactively. 5. IMPLEMENTATION/ POLICY ADOPTION  It may involve collaboration between different government departments, agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination  Implementation is also called strategic plan because it outlines the specific steps, resources, timelines, and responsibilities necessary for effective policy execution.  Includes designing and executing strategies, allocating resources, establishing procedures and systems 6. EVALUATION  Assessing the extent to which a policy was successful  Evaluate the effect of the policy on the problem it addresses and, on the people, affected  Feedback and monitoring mechanisms through its attached objectives  Understand whether the intended results were achieved and what can be learned for future policies  Opportunity for policymakers to shed light on the experience of the policies on the ground 6. EVALUATION  Factors in Evaluating Policy: I. Public interest – the common good has to be balanced against private or special interests. The process should be fully inclusive for those often overlooked or unable to participate II. Effectiveness – does the policy achieve its stated goals? III. Efficiency – are resources fully utilized in achieving goals and implementing policy? IV. Economy – objective and procedures done at the least cost 6. EVALUATION  Factors in Evaluating Policy: V. Consistency – aligned with the broader goals of government and the Constitution VI. Fairness and equity – are the policy fair and just to all members and sectors of society? VII. Reflective – is policy in consonance with values of freedom, security, diversity, communality, choice, and privacy 7. MAINTENANCE OR AMMENDMENT  Modifying, revisiting, and updating existing policies to address changing circumstances or needs within a specific policy area.  The policy can either be maintained, replaced, or terminated  A policy may be terminated either because it has absolved its goals, or because it has been proven to be ineffective 7. MAINTENANCE OR AMMENDMENT  Maintenance  routine updates or small modifications to keep a policy up to date.  It involves reviewing the policy’s effectiveness, evaluating its impact, and making minor changes 7. MAINTENANCE OR AMMENDMENT  Amendment  involves more significant changes to a policy.  Done to address major issues or objectives that were not adequately covered by the original policy  Respond to changing conditions or priorities. It may require more extensive and acceptable to relevant stakeholder 7. MAINTENANCE OR AMMENDMENT  Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the policy:  Help assess the policy's progress  Ensure that policies remain relevant, effective, and responsive to evolving needs and circumstances  Identify any deviations or bottlenecks and make necessary adjustments to enhance the effectiveness of the policy. OTHER STAGES OR PARTS OF POLICY STREAM  POLICY RECOGNITION  Certain topics emerge as significant issues that demand action due to many influences such as indicators that come to public view, feedback on current programs, or events that demand attention  Policy entrepreneurs invest personal time, energy, and often money to pursue policy changes by using publicity campaigns, direct contacts with decision makers (letters, phone calls) petition drives, etc. Or involve themselves in media, political parties, or interest groups that provide access to decision makers OTHER STAGES OR PARTS OF POLICY STREAM  POLICY GENERATION  May occur almost simultaneously with policy recognition; likely that many are trying to generate solutions to the problem  Proposed solutions compete on each other  Ideas generated not only seem to correctly address the problem but seem to be politically acceptable OTHER STAGES OR PARTS OF POLICY STREAM  POLICY ACTION  Proposed solution has to address:  Agency responsibility  Rules  Funding  Consistent with prevailing political climate  Proposed policy must be favored by incumbent administration legislative majority and the support of interest groups GOOD PUBLIC POLICY MUST BE:  Socially acceptable – citizens and interest groups accept that the policy reflects their important values, e.g., fairness and equity, consistency, justice  Partially Viable – the policy has the support of elected officials, and they are comfortable with the decision GOOD PUBLIC POLICY MUST BE:  Technically Correct – the policy complies with scientific or technical criteria established to guide or support the decision  Participative – demands from the general public, or bottom-up initiatives, can be influential as top- down directives. An educated and informed public ca be mobilized to demand and support desired initiatives.  1. Preparation: Prepare well for changing policies. Conduct the necessary research to get to know as much as possible about the issue.  2. Planning: Plan carefully for policy change. To ensure that your overall strategy makes sense, and that changing policies is a necessary and appropriate part of it, strategic planning is essential.  3. Personal contact: Establish or maintain contact with those who influence or make policy. Personal relationships, even with opponents, are the key to successful advocacy of all kinds, and changing policy is no exception.  4. Pulse of the community: Take the pulse of the community of interest to understand what citizens will support, what they will resist, and how they can be persuaded. You will have a far greater chance of success if you set out to change policies in ways the community will support, or at least tolerate, than if you challenge people’s basic beliefs.  5.Positivism: Where you can, choose tactics that emphasize the positive.  6.Participation: Involve as many people as possible in strategic planning and action. Try to engage key people, particularly opinion leaders and trusted community figures, but concentrate on making your effort participatory. That will give it credibility.  7. Publicity: Use the media, the Internet, your connections, and your imagination to keep people informed of the effort and the issues, and to keep a high profile.  8. Persistence: Policy change can take a long time. Monitor and evaluate your actions to make sure they are having the desired effect, and change them if they are not. End of Topic. Thank you.