The public policy approach is a concept in administration that focuses on analyzing how the process of creating and implementing government policies impacts their final outcome.
Originating from increasing analysis in the early 1970s of how government policies affected the public, the public policy approach was developed. As the provided reference states, this approach "examines to what extent each stage in devising and executing a policy affects the overall shape" of that policy.
Understanding the Core Idea
At its heart, the public policy approach is about looking beyond just the stated goals of a policy. It delves into the process – the steps, decisions, and actions taken from the initial idea through to its implementation – to understand why a policy ends up the way it does and how effective it is.
Rather than simply asking "What is the policy?", this approach asks:
- How was this policy developed?
- What influenced its design?
- How is it being put into practice?
- How do the different stages affect the final result?
Key Focus Areas
The public policy approach pays close attention to the entire policy lifecycle. While different models exist, typical stages often examined include:
- Agenda Setting: How an issue gets recognized as needing government action.
- Policy Formulation: The process of developing potential solutions and choosing one.
- Decision Making: The official adoption of the policy.
- Policy Implementation: Putting the policy into action.
- Policy Evaluation: Assessing the policy's effects.
By analyzing how each of these stages influences the overall policy, administrators and researchers gain insights into its effectiveness, unintended consequences, and areas for improvement.
Why Use This Approach?
Utilizing the public policy approach offers several benefits:
- Improved Understanding: Provides a deeper insight into the complex interplay between government action and societal outcomes.
- Problem Identification: Helps pinpoint where issues arise in the policy process (e.g., poor formulation, flawed implementation).
- Enhanced Effectiveness: Allows for learning from past policies to design and execute better ones in the future.
- Increased Accountability: Clarifies the impact of decisions made at various stages.
In essence, the public policy approach provides a structured way to dissect the journey of a policy, offering crucial insights for governments aiming to create more effective and impactful public services and regulations.
