A Role for Theory - Research Paper Example

Group theory It is true that some would argue that a practical-based public policy curriculum would help to better train practitioners in public policy rather than examining public policy theory. On the contrary, others believe that a firm grounding in theory helps practitioners to understand the larger universe of how public policy is constructed. In a real sense and as an agreement with the later statement, theory is necessary in order to have basis for whatever things that needs further enhancement or discovery.

Theory may not be necessarily the final output of everything or even the exact science or truth, but through it, people are urged to learn more or discover additional things. Theory therefore has become the basis of further advanced learning. The group theory perspective is one important idea that could help explain public-policy origination, implementation and/or execution. At some point, this covers elemental ideas that could help explain the preferences of certain political parties (Simon, 2010, p.24). As observed, people when come into a group would usually create strong political power.

In fact, when there is consensus over everything, power or voices of the majority usually prevails. More about these ideas are actually emphasized in detail through the group theory perspective. Therefore, it is important that even though theory would not become the basis of the actual truth, it could stand as a significant framework prior to the discovery of more advanced form of learning. Theory therefore could either be proven or should become the basis of improving higher form of knowledge or ideas on certain things.

In the case of group theory together with its perspectives, it is clear that it has become the basis and even stepping stone to leapfrog in the field of public policy origination, implementation and/or execution. Group theory is composed of theoretical models of group behavior which one could use to predict the kind or level of policy creation or implementation needed (Smith, 2007, p.6). In other words, with group theory one would have the chance to picture out certain group behavioral models so as to provide substantial reduction of complexity in understanding group behaviors.

After all, policy creation and implementation relied on certain things and these include group reaction or its level of response. I believe that generally public policy theories have a role to play in the daily lives of policy practitioners as these would supplement their understanding of the policy-making activities aside from actual applications. This would make them become more experts as the complexity of policy making requires substantial or meaningful ideas. With the help of public policy theories, the policy practitioners will always have important leads on the right thing to do in various situations even those highly complex ones.

At this point, I would argue that understanding different theories of public policy has practical value for policy practitioners and policy analysts. Initiating of highly scientific activities, which counts public policy-making activity as one should require theoretical frameworks. If policy practitioners or policy analysts have full knowledge of theories of public policy, they would be able to see various perspectives just prior to actual implementation process.In the case of group theory and its perspectives, it substantially carries reliable basis of modern sociological, political and technological advances.

It ensures one would be able to understand group behaviors. After all, policy making requires deeper understanding of human behavior which one could actually integrate with various aspects such as sociological, political and technological concepts. ReferencesSimon, C. A. (2010). Public Policy - Preferences and Outcomes. New York: Pearson Education.Smith, S. (2007). Applying Theory to Policy and Practice: Issues for Critical Reflection. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.