Features & Nature of Public Policy
Public policy is a deliberate and systematic attempt to address various
social, economic, and political issues that affect society. It is a
multifaceted field encompassing a wide range of policies and decision-
making processes to achieve specific goals and outcomes. Understanding
the nature and features of public policy is essential to appreciate its
significance and impact on society.
Here are some of the key features of public policy:
Purposeful: Public policy is designed to solve specific problems or address
particular societal needs. It is not random or haphazard but a deliberate
effort to address identified issues. Policies may aim to improve the
economy, enhance public health, reduce crime, or mitigate the effects of
climate change, among others.
Systematic: Public policy is not a one-off decision but a set of coordinated
actions that work together to achieve a desired outcome. Policies are
typically developed and implemented systematically, involving various
stakeholders and decision-making processes.
Strategic: Public policy aims to achieve long-term goals, not just
immediate needs. Policymakers consider the potential consequences of
their decisions and try to create policies that will have a lasting impact.
This means that policies may take time to implement and require
significant resource investments.
Types of Public Policy
Public policy can be categorized into several types based on focus, scope,
and duration. Distributive policies allocate resources among societal
groups, ensuring fair distribution. Redistributive policies aim to reduce
income inequality by redistributing wealth. Regulatory policies control or
manage behaviors to protect the public interest. Constitutional policies
establish fundamental rules and principles governing society. Foreign
policies promote national interests, maintain peace and stability, and
foster international cooperation.
Each type of policy plays a crucial role in addressing various social,
economic, and political challenges.
Process of Public Policy Formation
The process of public policy formation involves several stages, including
problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-
making, implementation, and evaluation.
P R O C E S S O F P U B L I C P O L I C Y F O R M AT I O N
The process of public policy formation involves several stages, including
problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-making,
implementation, and evaluation.
Problem Identification: Identify a problem or issue that requires
government intervention. Conduct research and gather data to
understand the scope and severity of the problem. Define the
problem and its impact on society.
Agenda Setting: Determine the importance of the problem and its
priority on the policy agenda. Consider the political and social
context in which the problem exists. Decide whether the problem
should be addressed through legislation, regulation, or other
means.
Policy Formulation: Generate alternative solutions to address the
problem. Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of each solution.
Consider the short-term and long-term impacts of each solution.
Choose the best solution and develop a plan for its
implementation.
Decision-Making: Present the proposed policy solution to the
appropriate decision-makers. Seek input and feedback from
stakeholders and interested parties. Debate and discuss the merits
of the proposal. Make a final decision on the policy and its
implementation.
Implementation and Evaluation: Put the policy into practice
through legislation, regulation, or other means. Monitor the
implementation of the policy and make any necessary
adjustments. Assess the effectiveness and efficacy of the policy.
Gather feedback from stakeholders and interested parties. Use the
feedback to refine and improve the policy over time.
