Public Policy Process Explained in 5 Simple Steps | Most Viewed Video on Channel | Must-See Video

Welcome back to Public Administration 101, proudly brought to you by Kano Consultants. For professional advice, you can trust in this video, we will aim to clarify the basics of the public policy process. But before we get into it, remember to subscribe to this channel for more videos like this. Or check out some of our other videos in this series of Public Administration 101. Now, let's get into today's video, which is structured as follows. First, we'll define what is meant by public policy. We will then provide some examples of what would constitute a public policy. Then we will clarify why it's important for governments to have public policies. Lastly, we will list the basic steps usually followed when developing a public policy. As an introduction, you need to be aware that governments across the world usually have roles and responsibilities that they need to fulfill. Some of the roles and responsibilities of government is to provide public services, such as health services, education, transport, etc. Maintaining law and order. Protecting and defending its residents and citizens. Protecting the environment. Collecting taxes. Regulating the economy. These are just some of the roles and responsibilities of governments. In some countries, these roles and responsibilities are normally provided for, under that country's constitution. In other countries, the political leaders in government at the time, may pledge to provide these functions. In order to provide these functions, governments will usually need to put in place a public policy, to guide them in how to fulfill these functions. So, what is a public policy? A public policy can be defined as a system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities regarding a specific area of government's function. This is essentially, government's position, on a certain issue, and what the government would choose to do, or not to do, about such an issue, for example. A government may have a public policy on Education policy. Such as the education curriculum that will be followed. Criminal justice policy. Such as whether or not to allow and permit the death penalty. Social policy. Such as allowing and regulating pregnancy terminations, and the right to choose. A government may also have An economic policy. In which it regulates how it plans to collect taxes, and how much it will collect. An environment policy. In which the government details its response to global warming. A policy on foreign affairs and national security. Where the government outlines its position on global matters, and how it plans to deploy its defence force and military services. A government may also introduce a policy, addressing social and welfare issues. Where it details its plan, on how it aims to improve the lives, and welfare of its residents. In order to introduce these public policies, a government will need to follow a series of steps. These steps, may differ from one government to another. The basic steps will usually be as follows. 1. Identifying the issue, or problem that the government aims to address. 2. Setting the agenda. 3. Drafting, and approving the public policy. 4. Implementing the approved public policy. 5. Evaluating the policy. The process starts with identifying, and defining what the issue to be addressed is. This identification can be done, in anticipation of a specific issue. For example where the government anticipates increased immigration into the country. The identification of the issue can also be done, in response to a specific need or issue. For example where an increase in crime is being noticed. The issues or challenges can be identified by government, or other stakeholders such as. Non-government organizations, or residents and citizens. The next step in developing a public policy, is ensuring that the issue, or challenge, is put on the agenda. This is where the identified problem, is formally placed on government's agenda, to be addressed by, the president, cabinet members, members of parliament, municipality or other relevant government institution. The setting of the agenda, can be done by, those directly affected by the issue. Such as ordinary residents, public representatives, non-governmental organizations. And by, those who are tasked with addressing the issue. Such as the political party in government at the time, opposition political parties, and public administrators. The next step in the public policy process, is actually formulating the policy. This is when the government starts the process of coming up with an approach, of how they intend to solve the identified issue. This process involves, an in-depth analysis of the issue, together with the alternative solutions, to address the issues. This analysis ensures that, the most effective approach, and solutions are adopted. And that, such solutions are feasible. Government's approach, and solution, is then documented into a policy document. This can either be a legislation, a regulation, a departmental policy, or internal rules. Public comments are then solicited, and then incorporated into a final policy document. This final policy document, is then adopted, and approved by, the relevant government officials, or the appropriate level of government structure. The next step in the public policy process is, the policy implementation. This is when the government, carries out all the activities, necessary to ensure that the proposed solutions are realized. Implementing the public policy, can sometimes cause confusion. It is therefore important that governments ensure that, the approved policy contains, clear directives, on how such policy is to be implemented. The approved policy, also needs to identify, the government institution, and the officials responsible for this implementation process. The policy, must also be communicated, to the public, and the relevant institution, and public officials tasked with the responsibility for implementing it. And such communication, must be clear, and unambiguous. The communication must further involve an awareness campaign and public education regarding the policy. The implementation process should further identify, any changes to the existing processes, and status quo. Particularly regarding any disruption, and, or conflict. The implementation process, should also detail, how the policy implementation will be monitored, and what would constitute a successful implementation. The final step in the public policy process, is the evaluation stage. This is where an analysis and a review is performed, to check whether the policy, as implemented, is addressing the identified issues or the challenges, and whether the implementation process is proceeding well. It is during the evaluation stage that government, or any other interested stakeholder, assesses whether the implemented policy, has succeeded, or failed, in addressing the issues first identified. The assessment, will usually be based, on a set of established standards. The evaluation stage will also assess the quality of the impact of the policy, and whether the objectives of the policy have been achieved. It is during this stage that, government needs to gather relevant information about whether or not, to continue with the policy, or with certain activities in the policy, or change the direction. In conclusion, it is important to understand that the process of developing a public policy is detailed, and requires careful handling, by all stakeholders, to ensure that governments address the challenges of its people. And that, the people can hold government accountable, when their issues are not addressed. This has been yet another video in public administration. Proudly brought to you by, Kano Consultants. For professional advice, you can trust. Remember to subscribe, like, comment, and share this video. And engage with us on these social media platforms. At Kano Consultants.