Understanding Public Policy - Research Paper Example

 Understanding Public Policy Introduction There are two major stages of public policy. The two stages depend on the analysis aspect. There is need to assess the importance of policy analysis and relate them to the two major stages of public policy. Dye (2010) the process of analysis is essential as it plays part in identifying the core objectives while at the same time offered alternatives that would be implemented in an event the initial policies fail to materialize. There is need to identify the importance of policy analysis. The application of the process to the two stages would create the basis of the discussion. The development and implementation stages of and public policy are essential hence depend majorly on policy analysis in order to identify its viability. Development phase Policy analysis process is essential in the development phase of public policy. Based on the outcome certain measures may be recommended in order to develop a process that accounts for all needs. The policy will be adjusted based on the goals set by public institution. Policy analysis refers to the nature in which the current measures are compared to alternative policies in an effort to ensure quality with policy implementation. Anderson (1988) indicates the need to analyze each policy at the development stage. In this case policy implementers would be able to identify the loopholes within the proposals and work on modalities to ensure the revised policies are successfully implemented. Public policy is all about decision-making in that; different channels may be used to ascertain the viability of the policy. The final product should reflect on the recommendations made after policy analysis. The stage may compare the public demands and the proposed policy and hence make early adjustments to meet the demands within the market. The effectiveness of any policy will be determined by the intermediate procedures put across to censor the developmental stage. Implementation Stage Policy analysis procedures are also essential in the implementation stage. This would mean that a proper plan is executed and is in line with set goals. The procedure is essential at it works as a toll of identifying the loopholes within the plans and act as means of restructuring policies to ensure a proper execution plan is put across (Dye, 2010). The policy analysis process will compare the current public policy with existing policies. The aim would be to ascertain whether the policies are in line with goals and objectives of a given institution. The set goals then acts as a benchmark to compare the policy and prevent the public from policies that would be rendered ineffective in its final stages. The importance of policy analysis is that it prevents wastage and ensures that the policies being implemented match the goals of a given institution. Social Impact Fosssett et al (2007) acknowledges the importance of social balance reacted by positive public policies. The essence of this is that the public needs to be offered policies that would bridge the gaps that exist within societies. Public policies would have a certain level of impact on social and economic well being of the public. The policies need to monitor the economic aspects of society and work on modalities that will ensure a sustainable environment within a given societies. The consistent nature of the society’s welfare will depend upon public policies structured on the basis of public interest rather than political influences. The society would be impacted negatively if policies being implemented are based on selective representation. The majority need to benefit from policies being implemented and it is up to the policies makers to identify the crucial areas in the society and implement policies that will cater for the crucial needs within a society. Public safety is a major requirement while implementing policies. The administration needs to ensure the policies being implemented caters for the safety of the society. Proper policies will ensure an environment where nature and the human element combine to ensure a clean and a sustainable society. Dye (2010) indicates that some policies may have indirect benefits to society. Thus it is upon policy makers to ensure the public safety and requirements are met. The society is created based on basic element and the policy makers should place public interest first in any policy making and implementation process. The role played by any administration is essential at it ensures that once a policy is implemented it would fully benefit the society. Negative policies would thus affect the manner in which society benefits from public policies. The government ought to identify important element in society and work on and improve the policies. Limitation of Policy on Government’s Power Politics and governance are based on the government’s power; however policies are different and are limited of government’s power. According to Dye (2010) policies are driven by public participation and effective planning. This indicates that the government has limited power over the type of public policies to be implemented. Policy making puts into to consideration other elements. Stakeholders and the general public plays part in formulating proper policies that will later own will be integrated into government policies. The limited government powers government only implements policies that are driven upon by the interest of the public. The government lacks the monopoly to decide what is best for the public. The public is an integral part in public policies in that it determines that types of policies while at the same time is used by government as a benchmark. Conclusion Public policies are instrumental in any government. The public needs to acknowledge the significance of certain policies. The government creates avenues in which certain policies are to be implemented. The limited powers of government in policy making means that the government needs to deploy models that will analyze every stage of the policy. Policy analysis is the most important element of any public policy. The procedure ensures that each stage is in line with public goals and objectives. The policies could be adjusted in an effort to meet based on public requirements. A well executed public policy would have great benefits to the public. Reference Anderson, C. W. (1988). Political judgment and policy analysis. Public Administration Quarterly, 11(4), 439-462. Dye, T.R. (2010). Understanding public policy (13th ed.). Longman: Pearson Prentice Hall. Fossett, J.W., Ouellette, A.R., Philpott, S., Magnus, D. & McGee, G. (2007). Federalism & bioethics: States and moral pluralism. The Hastings Center Report, 37(6), 24-35. Read More