The institutional model of policy making posits that institutions and organisations play a major role in shaping policies.
Understanding the Institutional Model
In the realm of public policy, various models exist to explain how decisions are made and policies are formed. The institutional model highlights the critical influence of established structures, organizations, and their internal workings on the policy process. It moves beyond focusing solely on individual actors or external pressures to emphasize the environment within which policy-making occurs.
As noted in the provided information:
- In this model, institutions and organisations play a major role in shaping policies.
- Policymakers within institutions tend to develop routines, standard operating procedures and norms that influence how policies are made.
- Institutions provide the structure within which policy-making takes place.
This means that the specific rules, practices, and culture of a government department, legislative body, court, or agency significantly impact the policies they produce.
Key Elements of the Model
Based on the reference, the core components of the institutional model include:
- Central Role of Institutions/Organisations: These entities are not just passive arenas but active participants that shape outcomes.
- Influence of Internal Dynamics: Routines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and norms developed within these institutions are crucial determinants of policy choices and processes.
- Provision of Structure: Institutions establish the frameworks, hierarchies, and processes that govern how policy decisions are reached.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Element | Role in Policy Making |
|---|---|
| Institutions/Organisations | Major players and shapers of policy. |
| Routines/SOPs/Norms | Influence how policies are made within institutions. |
| Structure | Provides the framework for the policy process. |
How Institutions Influence Policy
Institutions exert influence through various mechanisms:
- Established Procedures: Formal rules and SOPs dictate steps for drafting, reviewing, approving, and implementing policies. These procedures can speed up, slow down, or even block certain policy proposals.
- Organizational Culture and Norms: Unwritten rules, shared beliefs, and professional norms within an institution can shape what issues are considered important, how evidence is interpreted, and which solutions are deemed acceptable. For example, a norm of inter-departmental rivalry might hinder collaborative policy efforts.
- Hierarchy and Authority: The power structure within an institution determines who has the authority to make decisions, set agendas, or control information flow, thereby influencing policy direction.
- Resource Allocation: Institutional control over budgets, staffing, and expertise impacts which policies can be effectively developed and implemented.
Examples of Institutional Influence
Consider a government ministry responsible for environmental policy:
- Its established routines for impact assessments might heavily influence the details of a new regulation.
- The professional norms among its scientists and economists might favour certain types of evidence or approaches over others.
- Its internal decision-making structure (e.g., requiring sign-off from multiple levels or committees) affects the speed and nature of policy development.
In essence, the institutional model suggests that to understand policy outcomes, one must look closely at the specific organizations involved and their internal characteristics and practices. These institutional factors provide the essential structure and often define the pathways and limitations within which policy is created and implemented.
