Chapter III PowerPoint Slides on Public Policy_Final.pptx

Lecture notes on the importance of public policy in an organisation

1. Post graduate diploma in public administration

2. Course: Policy analysis

3. Chapter III Chapter 3 : The Policy Making Process Agenda Setting Policy Formulation Policy Authorization/Approval Policy Implementation Policy Evaluation PGDPA 3

4. THE POLICY MAKING PROCESS The policy-making process is not a series of distinct stages but rather an interconnected and cyclical journey. Scholars recognize it as a continuous loop where stages overlap and interact. In reality, the process is iterative and dynamic, with stages influencing and shaping each other. Here is an overview of the different stages PGDPA 4

5. Chapter III The policy making process has five (5) basic stages: 5 Agenda Setting

6. The agenda-setting stage is the critical first step in the policy-making process, where problems that require government intervention are identified and brought to the attention of decision-makers. This stage determines which issues will be prioritized and addressed by policymakers. The process of agenda setting involves various actors and factors, including public opinion, interest groups, media coverage, and political leadership. Agenda Setting 6

7. Key Components of Agenda Setting: Problem Identification: The first step in agenda setting is identifying a problem that needs government action. Problems can arise from various sources, such as societal needs, crises, or demands from the public or interest groups. For example, In the context of The Gambia, high infant mortality rates might be identified as a pressing issue due to alarming statistics, public outcry, or reports from health organizations. Agenda Setting 7

8. Problem Definition: Once identified, the problem must be clearly defined and this involves understanding the causes, scale, and impact of the issue. For high infant mortality in The Gambia, the problem definition might involve the following: Gathering data on infant deaths , Analyzing causes such as malnutrition, poor access to healthcare, and lack of maternal education, And understanding the broader implications for society. Agenda Setting 8

9. Role of Stakeholders : Various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and the public, play a role in bringing issues to the agenda. In the case of infant mortality, stakeholders like the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, and local health NGOs might raise awareness and advocate for policy action. Influence of the Media: The media plays a crucial role in highlighting issues and shaping public perception. Media coverage can turn an issue into a public priority . If the Gambian media extensively reports on the high infant mortality rate, showcasing personal stories and the impact on communities, it can pressure policymakers to address the issue. Agenda Setting 9

10. Political Leadership : Political leaders are instrumental in deciding which issues make it onto the policy agenda. Their priorities often reflect political ideologies, public opinion, and electoral considerations. A Gambian political leader might prioritize reducing infant mortality as part of a broader health reform agenda , especially if it aligns with their campaign promises or international development goals. Public Opinion : Public demand for action can influence which issues are prioritized. If the public perceives high infant mortality as a significant concern, it can lead to greater pressure on policymakers to act. Public opinion in The Gambia might be shaped by awareness campaigns, community meetings, and the visible impact of infant deaths on families. Agenda Setting 10

11. Window of Opportunity: A particularly severe health crisis, such as an outbreak of a disease affecting infants , could serve as a catalyst for immediate action , propelling the issue to the top of the policy agenda. Outcome: The concerted efforts of stakeholders, media, and public opinion lead to the issue of high infant mortality being recognized as a priority by the Gambia government. This sets the stage for the next phase, which is policy formulation, where specific strategies to address the issue are developed . Agenda Setting: 11

12. The policy formulation stage involves research and analysis; stakeholder consultations; drafting of policy proposals and selection of the best option; drafting and validation of the policy. Research and Analysis: Example: Policymakers conduct research to understand the root causes of infant mortality in The Gambia and s tudies reveal that improving maternal healthcare, increasing vaccination coverage, and addressing malnutrition could significantly reduce infant deaths. . Policy Formulation : 12

13. . Consultation with Stakeholders: Example: Consultations are held with healthcare professionals, international organizations, and communities and their leaders to gather input on potential policy solutions. These consultations highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes healthcare infrastructure, education, and nutrition. Policy Formulation : 13

14. Drafting Policy Proposals: Based on research and consultations, several options or strategies are drafted . These might include: Expanding healthcare facilities in rural areas. Implementing nationwide immunization campaigns. Providing nutritional supplements to pregnant women and infants. Launching educational programs for mothers on infant care and nutrition. Policy Formulation : 14

15. Selecting the Best Option: After evaluating the pros and cons of each option, a comprehensive policy is developed , which might involve a combination of the proposed interventions and validated The next stage is the policy adoption stage Policy Formulation : 15

16. Example: The proposed policy is presented to the Cabinet , with a cabinet paper, where the policy is reviewed. Discussions involving its merit, costs, and potential impact . The discussions may focus on how the policy aligns with national priorities and the resources required for implementation. If approved, the Policy can be launched and it is ready for implementation together with its strategic plan Policy Adoption /Approval : 16

17. In case it is a bill, it will be taken to the National Assembly for approval and this involves the following: Debate and Discussion: The proposed policy/bill is presented to the National Assembly, where lawmakers debate its merits, costs, potential impact, alignment with national priorities and cost implications. They are guided by the following: Stakeholder consultation and submission of position papers by institutions with a stake in the policy Public hearing on the importance of the bill 1 st and 2 nd reading 3 rd reading ( Consideration and final stage) Policy Adoption /Approval : 17

18. Voting and Authorization: Example: The National Assembly votes on the bill. I f it is passed the Ministry concerned will follow-up with MOJ to prepare the accent copy and send it to the Clerk’s office for verification/authentication prior to sending it for printing. Once the ascent copies are printed, the National Assembly sends it to OP for the President to assent (sign). Once that is done, the National Assembly sends it to printing for gazetting . After gazetting , that bill becomes an Act (Law), provided, there is no commencement clause in the Act that requires that it comes into force at a later date). Policy Adoption /Approval : 18

19. NB: Remember in chapter 1, slide 3 we said that Public Policy refers to a system of laws , regulatory measures , executive orders , courses of action , and Funding priorities by a government or its representatives to address societal issues. From the above it is clear that public policy comes in different forms and not all public policies are enacted or require the adoption/approval of the NAMs For example: An Executive Order is a Public Policy that comes from The President A Health Policy is a public policy that goes through cabinet approval An environmental protection Act is a public policy approved by the National Assembly Policy Adoption/Approval : 19

20. Policy implementation involves the following: Drafting a strategic Plan and Guidelines; Resource Allocation; Coordination with Partners; Public Awareness and Education; Monitoring and Addressing Challenges. Drafting a strategic Plan and Guidelines: Example: The Ministry of Health develops a strategic plan and detailed guidelines for implementing the policy , such as establishing new healthcare centers in rural areas, training healthcare workers, and rolling out vaccination campaigns. Policy Implementation : 20

21. Resource Allocation: Example: The government allocates resources to build healthcare infrastructure, procure vaccines and medical supplies, and support nutritional programs for mothers and infants. Coordination with Partners: Implementation involves coordination with key stakeholders, including international organizations like UNICEF and WHO, as well as local NGOs , to ensure that resources are effectively used, and the policy is successfully executed. Policy Implementation : 21

22. P ublic Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns are launched to inform mothers about the new healthcare services, the importance of vaccination, and proper nutrition for infants. Community health workers play a key role in reaching remote areas. Monitoring and Addressing Challenges: The government monitors the implementation process, identifying challenges such as logistical issues or resource shortages . Adjustments are made to ensure that the policy's objectives are met. Policy Implementation : 22

23. Policy evaluation Once a policy has been implemented, it is important to assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and impact. Policy evaluation involves systematic assessment and analysis of the policy's outcomes, including whether it has achieved its intended goals, addressed the identified problem, and had unintended consequences. This involves the following: Measuring Outcomes, Collecting Feedback, Comparing with Goals, Identifying Unintended Consequences and Reporting and Recommendations PGDPA 23

24. Policy evaluation Measuring Outcomes: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with independent evaluators, collects data to assess the policy’s impact . They measure indicators such as infant mortality rates, vaccination coverage, and healthcare access in rural areas . Collecting Feedback: Feedback is gathered from healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and communities through surveys and interviews . This helps identify strengths and weaknesses in the policy’s implementation. PGDPA 24

25. Policy evaluation Comparing with Goals: The evaluation compares the results with the policy’s original goals , such as reducing infant mortality by a certain percentage. The effectiveness of each intervention (e.g., healthcare access, nutrition support) is assessed. Identifying Unintended Consequences: Evaluators look for any unintended consequences, such as strain on other healthcare services or inequalities in access to the new programs or heavy dependence on external funding. Reporting and Recommendations: A report is produced with the findings and recommendations for improving the policy. The report is shared with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to inform future actions. PGDPA 25

26. SUMMARY Summary Example: In this example, the high rates of infant mortality in The Gambia are addressed through a structured policy-making process . The issue is first identified and prioritized during the agenda-setting stage , leading to the formulation of a comprehensive policy to reduce infant deaths. After being adopted by the government, the policy is implemented with support from various stakeholders, and its impact is carefully evaluated . Depending on the results, the policy may be continued, modified, or terminated , with lessons learned feeding back into future health policies to ensure ongoing improvement and effectiveness. PGDPA 26

27. THANK YOU ! Mrs. Mariama Fanneh