Understanding 6 Characteristics Of Public Policy To Know | Public Administration N5 @ConsultKano

Policy Pros
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1 Video View·Dec 21, 2025
A public policy must be authoritative, enforceable, flexible and adaptable, feasible, clear, and
must be public.
These are some of the commonly recognized characteristics of public policy.
In today's video, we'll be discussing these six characteristics of public policy.
And also, make sure you watch until the end of this video, because we have included two
important additional characteristics for you to be aware of.
Now, let's start with the first characteristic, which states that, a public policy must be
authoritative.
This means that, a public policy must be issued by a legitimate authority, such as a government
department, or institution, a regulatory body, elected officials, or appointed public administrators.
Such government institution, regulatory body, elected official, or appointed public administrator,
must function in accordance with the country's laws and constitution, and must have the
appropriate mandate and authority, given to it by law, or other legal means.
A public policy must also be enforceable.
This means that, there must be mechanisms in place, to ensure that the policy is followed.
This could include, the use of penalties, such as fines or imprisonment for those who
violate the policy.
A public policy must further be, flexible, and adaptable.
This means that, it must be able to change as the circumstances change.
This is important because, the world is constantly changing, and a public policy that is not
flexible will quickly become outdated.
A public policy must also be, feasible.
This means that, it must be possible to implement and enforce, such public policy.
Therefore, the policy must be realistic, and take into account all the available resources.
It's also important that, a public policy is clear.
This means that, it must be easily understandable, by the majority if not everyone.
This is important because, people must know what is expected of them.
They must also know how the policy will be implemented.
And also know how such policy will affect them.
A public policy must also be public.
This means that, it must be made available to the public.
This is also important because, people must know about the policy, so that they can participate,
in the decision-making process.
As we indicated.
We have included two important additional characteristics, for you to know.
But before we get into those, we'd like to welcome you back to our channel.
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Now, let's get back to today's video.
By discussing these two additional characteristics, of public policy.
Starting with, stakeholder engagement.
The process of formulating a public policy must involve, various stakeholders.
These stakeholders include, citizens, interest groups, businesses, as well as experts.
Their input helps to shape policy decisions, ensure accountability, and enhance the legitimacy
and effectiveness of the policy-making process.
Public policy goes beyond formulation.
It also requires effective implementation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.
This means that, policies must be translated into actionable steps.
How the policy will be monitored and evaluated is also important.
This will ensure that, policy outcomes are assessed.
And, areas of improvements are identified.
This process will also inform any future decisions, regarding the policy.
In conclusion, these characteristics, collectively contribute to the effectiveness of a public policy.
Enabling governments to address societal challenges, promote public welfare, and create a framework for governance, and decision-making.
These characteristics, also shape the nature of the public policy, and influence its impact, on societies.
We've come to the end of our video.
On the various characteristics, of public policy.
If you have any characteristics that you feel, we haven't covered in this video, please let us know, by leaving us a comment below this video.
You can also share your thoughts, on these characteristics.
So, thank you for watching.
If you found this video insightful.
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