Role of Power in Policy Development and Implementation - Essay Example

Political power has been in existence since time immemorial. This was even during the eon of kings and queens. This type of power is normally evident through different ways. It can work to the good of the citizens or the politicians. Any political leader with a selfless heart will always use his political power to enhance the lives of the people he is serving. This paper will therefore explain the meaning of political power. This will also include the major types of power and their respective sources. (Fowler, 2008) The powers that have been witnessed at personal district will be clearly expounded. In this case, this paper will also show how power at the district level is used to shape educational policy. Finally the paper will show consideration of ethical issues and how the community can be engaged in regard to educational issues. There are different definitions of political power. The first definition asserts that it is a type of influence that is instituted within a certain group in the society. It is known to be highly influential to day to day activities within an area, district, province and nation as a whole. This is through labor, wealth and public resource administration. Another definition explains political power as the capability of reforming or streamlining situations within the society basing from political positions. This in the long run leads to perception modification of stakeholders at the ground level. (Fowler, 2008) Analysis shows that there are different power types that are evident in nations. One of it is known as the condign power. This type of power is highly focused on forceful language and actions. It does not consider the feelings of those on whom the force or pressure is exerted. This type of power was quite predominant in the colonial eras. This does not mean that it does not exist in the twenty first century. It is still evident in organizations where authoritarian style of leadership is used. The second type of power is known as compensatory. This is whereby an individual uses the resources at his disposal to show power. Most of these resources that are used in this category are material based. Wealth is one of the resources that are highly used in this type of power. For instance a very rich person within a society can be very influential as compared to a person with meager income. (Chubb, 1990) The third power type is called conditioned power. This type of power works through persuasion of people to accomplish something. It is not commonly used by people in high authority. Analysis however shows that it can still have tremendous effects as the first two power types. It is commonly used by religious personalities like pastors and evangelists. The sources of power have also been noted to be diverse. There are some powers that simply emanate from personality. For instance, people with choleric type of personality are very forceful. Another source of power is possessions or material wealth. Political power is in most cases sourced from authority that is delegated to an individual. For instance, a district officer or a member of parliament gains political power once he is sworn in and duties delegated. There are various types of power that have been evident in my district. This is especially the condign and the compensatory types. Most of the leaders use force and even the rich have an upper hand in influencing policies and other important decisions at the district level. It is quite evident that power is used at the district level to shape the educational policy. For instance, the district officers and commissioners always write reports to the ministry of education as concerns policy formation. There are also instances where these people in powerful positions get complain from stakeholders as concerns educational policies that are not good. In this case, the district commissioners and officers write reports that assert the disadvantages of the current educational policies and their negative effects to the stakeholders. This information is sourced from teachers, head teachers, and also students. Through this the educational policy is shaped. Local leaders at the district level also carry out open forums in educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities. They invite the people who are concerned about educational policy formulation to these forums so that their views are taken note of. Another way through which power at the district level is used to shape educational policy is through their members of parliament. Local leaders make efforts to visit their member of parliament and give their views concerning educational policy. They therefore send him to represent them in the cabinet and parliament as these two sittings discuss educational policies. The Member of Parliament therefore puts forth the local leader’s criticisms and recommendations concerning educational policies. These members of parliament also ensure that the proposed educational policies are passed at the cabinet and parliament level. It is worth noting that after the local leaders putting forth their views, the Member of Parliament also critically analyses them. (Tarnow, 2000) As an individual, there are various ways through which I would engage the community in dialogue regarding educational issues. Through local leaders I would invite everyone to open forums where educational issues are then discussed. I would also make good use of functions where I expect most of the people to attend to discuss education matters. These functions include education days in schools, colleges and universities. These occasions can also be graduations. I would also use questionnaires to give to people at the ground level to write their views on education matters and later compile into a report. Through focus groups I would also get information from people interacting directly and indirectly with education policies. It is very important that ethical issues be considered in relation to the use of power. In this instance, all power has to put ethical considerations first and foremost. For instance, any policy proposals that do not respect human life should not be passed or implemented. For instance, no policy should be discriminative by color, race, disability and origin etc. Through this it will be easier to create a society where human life is respected. For instance people in power need to avoid taking steps that will lead to shedding of blood and loss of human life. This has to be considered even if probable affected people are not natives. (Butts, 1998) In conclusion power is a good thing but can at the same time be misused is not well controlled. There are different types of power. They include condign, compensatory and conditioned. The sources of power are also very diverse. These are one’s personality, material possessions like wealth and positions within the society. It is quite evident that power at the district level is also used to shape the educational policy. As an individual, I would engage the community in dialogue concerning educational issues in different ways. This is through open forums, the use of questionnaires and also focus group discussions. It is quite imperative that ethical issues be put into consideration when power is in use. This will help avoid the undermining of human life within the society. Finally political leaders always need assessments to ensure that they do not misuse their power. Read More