Module 1 - Policy Analysis Flashcards
What is Public Policy?
Public Policy is compromised of the actions (and inactions) taken by government to address societal issues and achieve specific goals.
Per Dye 1976 - “what governments do, why they do it and what different it makes”
Per Guy Peters, what are the three levels of public policy?
- Policy choices (decisions by those in power)
- Policy outputs (putting choices to action)
- Policy impacts (the tangible effects of choices and outputs)
What are the instruments of Public Policy?
-Government spending (investment and current).
-Taxation (to fund spending and shape behaviour, eg sin-tax)
-Regulation
Who are some other actors in the policy process?
The Legislative and Judiciary branches of government. (They contribute to policy formation but not proactively)
Interest groups that argue for policy changes (business, labour unions etc)
Citizen groups (political pressure)
Explain the Stages Model.
The stages model or policy cycle is a framework that simplifies the policy process into three key stages and two smaller ones. In practice the stages were blurred but the model serves as an aid for understanding the process.
1- Agenda setting
2- Policy formation and legitimation
3- Policy implementation and evaluation.
Explain the first stage of the stages model.
The first stage of the stages model Agenda setting. Stage 1 is triggered by a social phenomenon being recognized as a public problem.
From here the issue is debated in the media and politics.
Explain the 2nd stage of the stages model.
The 2nd stage of the stages model is Policy formulation. Here the pros and cons (costs and benefits) of a particular course of action are discussed by key actors (politicians, experts, state officials etc). The state or resources is considered. Policy choices must be explained and qualified to all groups potentially impacted.
Explain the third stage of the stages model.
The third stage of the stages model is Policy implementation.
This entails putting a public policy into effect. Policy intention and reality always diverge. Actors entrusted with implementation are usually public servants (teachers, officials, nurses, police officers, bureaucrats etc).
Following implementation, the effects are analysed and the cycle continues as new problems arise.
What is policy analysis?
Analytical techniques to influence policy making with regard to a particular policy issue. This is something that actors do which can be learned and applied by people in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Process generally undertaken by governments, consultants, large companies. Comprised of forward thinking and backward looking aspects.
What is situation analysis?
This is a part of policy analysis and refers to attempts to answer the question at hand. Gathering basic descriptive data is vital to this stage.
Eg, who is most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in SA and why?
What are the key factors driving SA’s HIV epidemic?
What is response analysis?
Response analysis forms a part of the policy analysis process. It analyses previous interventions by the government, private and public sectors around an issue. Investigates the extent to which these responses accomplished their goals. What doesn’t work and needs time be cut? What hasn’t been addressed?
Explain the second half and forward looking part of Policy Analysis.
Strategic planning. Now that previous attempts have been analysed and the situation at hand is familiar, a plan is set out for how to arrive at specific goals. The plan needs to detail potential opposition to itself, as well as the timeframe in which it is to achieve its goals.
Explain the final part of the policy analysis process.
Resource mobilisation.
Are objectives feasible, realistic and affordable? Are the necessary financial and human resources needed to achieve the goal? If not plan revision is needed.
What is planning?
Planning entails the formulation of steps to achieve achieve a desired future state of affairs. Planning requires backward looking policy analysis, situation and response analysis as well.
Name and explain some forms of planning.
Economic planning - often contrasted with “free market” economics.
Investment planning - developmental states provide an environment in which private economic activity can grow.
Indicative planning - guidance by state.
Soviet central planning - all activities planned from the centre.
Sectoral plans - strategic plans of government departments, eg education, health, transport, environment.
What is national development planning?
National development planning is comprised of the Grand national plans that include all key sectors.
SA’s NDP was conceived in mid-2000s, Zuma appoints the National Planning Commission in May 2010, 26 commissioners. They came up with a diagnostic report with 9 key challenges.
What is often the root of inaction from Government?
Lack of adequate financial resources.
Explain the government’s budget.
The budget is a financial plan for the government. It covers the medium term ( +/- 3 years). The budget speech serves as an update on the economy, the public finances. Follows SONA.
Explain the expenditure side of the budget.
The budget is drafted in April
Expenditure estimates around May/June
Cabinet priorities finalised in July
Ministers’ Committee discuss the budget in August/September
October/November bills, approved cabinet.
Where does the money for government spending come from?
Taxes, loans from banks and international institutions, Bond sales.
Is the Executive (the Presidency, cabinet etc) all powerful in the policy making process?
The Stages Model suggest so but in reality, the legislative branch and political parties / interest groups influence policy decisions (and non-decisions) as well
How can Policy makers be rational in deciding what resources go where?
- Consider all policy alternatives
- Identify your reasons for choosing one policy option over another, using evidence and reliable theories.
- Monitor and review implementation/impact systematically.
-Replace a policy when a more desirable policy is identified
Are policy makers consistently rational?
No. They are not. They often act incrementally as opposed to following the flow of process and the nature of trying to get multiple actors to work together is a recipe for confusion, chaos, free-riding and general stagnation.
What is a downside to the stages model, regarding implementation in particular.
The stages model severely undervalues the implementation aspect of the policy process. Street level bureaucrats directly shape policy outcomes, if they are not partisan to the ideas coming down from the executive, they may be inclined to act in a way that does not follow the policy mandate, thus creating more issues and leaving the original unsolved.
