3 Types of Policy Agenda | What is Policy Agenda | How to Set Government Agenda | Public Policy

The first step in the public policy making process is properly identifying a problem and designing the right response to address such problem. Identifying issues which affect the public and putting them on government's agenda is therefore an important and deliberate phase that government officials need to undertake. In this video, we discuss the public policy process, specifically with regards to identifying societal issues and putting such issues on the agenda. By first providing an overview and a background on public policy and the various steps in the public policy process, we will then explain the first step in the public policy process, which is identifying the problem. We will also explain why problem identification is important and the various factors that influence problem identification. We will then provide an overview on setting the agenda by defining what agenda setting is in relation to public policy, as well as the three types of agendas that affect the public sector. We will then list some of the stakeholders in the agenda setting process and conclude on why agenda setting is important. As an introduction, it is only fair and prudent that we provide an overview of the public policy process by first defining what public policy is. A public policy is a course of action by world leaders, politicians, lawmakers, regulators, government officials, as well as other stakeholders, to address the needs of the citizens, or to resolve an issue of public concern, or even set an agenda. Public policies are essentially developed, and implemented, to meet certain goals. There are various steps in the public policy process, which involve identifying the problem, setting the agenda, developing and formulating the actual policy, implementing the policy, and once such public policy has been set, it must be evaluated. In this video, we will focus on the first two steps in the public policymaking process, which are identifying the problem and putting such issues on the agenda. Let's start with explaining the first step in the public policy process, which is identifying the problem. Problem identification consists of clearly identifying the root cause of a problem, and then developing a detailed problem statement, which is basically a short paragraph that summarizes the issues to be considered. Ideally, the problem should be phrased in the form of a question. This helps to guide the selection of information to include in the problem statement. Problem identification is an important step because, it guides the activities and decisions of the stakeholders involved in the policymaking process. Ultimately, problem identification assists in ensuring that, the right public issues are identified, and are clearly defined. Problem identification also helps in clearly identifying the goals of the policy, and outlining its scope. There are multiple factors that influence the identification of policy challenges, and their incorporation into the public agenda. And these factors include Government's capacity to anticipate challenges, that the public face. The effectiveness of government's public participation processes, to engage with relevant stakeholders on public issues. And on how to address them effectively. The availability of data and evidence, to enable the government to confirm that, such issue is real. And that it is in the government's mandate and objective to address it. The media's role, in translating and communicating the challenge, in a way that resonates with citizens. In this next section, we will focus on the next step in the public policy process. Which is setting the agenda. Let us first define, what policy agenda is. A public policy agenda is essentially defined as, what governmental officials or elected political officials, find important to discuss. This process involves, actually getting the public issue on government's agenda, to be addressed by, either elected officials or government officials. There are three types of agenda settings, which are. 1. Public agenda setting. 2. Politics agenda setting. And 3. Media agenda setting. Let's discuss each of these, in more detail. Firstly, public agenda setting. This is when the majority of the public influences, what topics are deemed important. Public agenda setting usually involves, a dramatic event, a controversy, or something happens that affects a wide range of people. Such matters will be placed on government's agenda because, politicians, government officials, and the media, will usually react to matters, which are of public interest. The second type of agenda setting is, politics agenda setting. This happens when elected officials and politicians, use their influence and authority, to push their political agendas to citizens. This usually involves a politician advertising for support from citizens to back an issue they feel strongly about. This type of agenda setting is usually seen during election campaigns, when there is a high level of media coverage on politicians. The third type of agenda setting is, media agenda setting. This is when the media determines the agenda with regards to which stories are considered important. Journalists, editors, newsroom staff, and media institutions shape the political reality, by choosing which stories to broadcast. And use the media to push focus on specific issues to the public. The media is powerful and usually directs how the public should think about an issue. Based on the public's reaction, the matter would then be placed on government's agenda. Broadly speaking, placing matters on government's agenda involves, a number of stakeholders. Including, community members. Community leaders. Advocacy groups. Civil society organizations. The media. Politicians. And, government officials. As well as, international players. Before we continue to the next section, on why agenda setting is important. Don't forget to subscribe. Like. Comment. And share this video. In conclusion. Governments develop and implement public policies to address certain issues in the society. With the aim of achieving certain goals and objectives. Therefore, setting an issue on government's agenda is important to ensure that, the matter is being attended to, by the relevant stakeholders. Agenda setting is also important in allocating the necessary resources and funding, in order to address public issues. Lastly, problem identification and agenda setting are important steps, because they form the foundation, of the public policy process. 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