Public Policy Theories power point. define theory

Public Policy Theories

1. Public Policy Theories

2. “It’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” - Neil Armstrong

3. L esson Objectives Define theory To identify the different theories on Public Policy. Analyze the policy using the public policy theories.

4. What is Theory A theory is a systematic grouping of interdependent concepts and principles. It provides the means of classifying significant management information and knowledge.

5. Institutionalism/Institutional Model A policy only will only become a public policy when legitimized by the government agency concerned (i.e., Office of the President, House of Representatives). Once enacted, a policy acquires legal powers to demand obligation and loyalty from the citizens; as well as to have concomitant punitive components.

6. Institutionalism/Institutional Model The context of public policy may vary from one institution to another or may be derived from the Constitution which is the highest type of policy in the land. Meanwhile, the content of the public policy is somewhat determined and affected by the dichotomy between politics and administration.

7. Rationalism/Rational Comprehensive/Rational Decision-Making Model All the possible options or approaches to solving the problem are identified, and the costs and benefits are carefully analyzed. The option with the greatest net benefit is selected because the model asserts that a rational policy is one that achieves “maximum social gain”.

8. Rationalism/Rational Comprehensive/Rational Decision-Making Model The model ensures that all considerations are looked into before making decisions but also assumes that policy makers should have adequate and accurate information on the cause and the would-be effect of the policy intervention as well as of the possible consequences of the alternatives chosen.

9. Rationalism/Rational Comprehensive/Rational Decision-Making Model The model has certain limitations such as it: a) requires a lot of time; b) requires lots of information; c) assumes accurate, stable, and complete knowledge of the alternatives, preferences, and consequences; and d) assumes a rational and non-political world.

10. Incrementalism/Incremental Model The model emphasizes that there is a structured sequence of activities which leads to the resolution of a problem. It also suggests that major decisions must be broken down into small steps namely; a) identification; b) development; and c) selection process.

11. Incrementalism/Incremental Model The model promotes trial and error process to solve big problems using small steps (muddling through). The model asserts that: a) public policy deals with moving targets; b) process is not completely rational; c) analysis is limited; d) information is ambiguous and subject to different interpretations;

12. Incrementalism/Incremental Model e) stakeholders may have varied opinions about means and ends; f) actors make adjustments as based on their perception of what is good or of public interest; g) it forges compromise and helps build legitimacy; and h) forecasting (i.e., election) may affect the implementation and the outcomes.

13. Streams Model The Streams model of policy-making focuses on the timing of policy action rather than on the component steps. The model aims to explain why some issues and problems become prominent in the policy agenda and are eventually translated to concrete policies while others just dissipate.

14. Streams Model The Problem Stream puts forward that a problem/issue and alternative measures must be determined first for a situation and the proposed measure to be converted into policy. The feeling that a current situation or a foreseen situation is wrong and something can be done to improve the situation is also seen as a basis for addressing an issue through the creation of corresponding policy.

15. Streams Model The Solution Stream is concerned with the generation of policy alternatives and proposals. The proposals and solutions must be technically feasible. While the proposals are not initially built to resolve given problem, they are eventually attached to a problem which can be addressed by the proposal

16. Streams Model The Political Stream takes place independent to the two streams. However, political events may lead to the inclusion or exclusion of the topic or proposed policy to the agenda. The special needs created by a political event therefore, may change the agenda.

17. Streams Model Window of opportunity occurs in response to the emergence of major problem and proposed solution, as well as, conducive political climate which can sway the decision-makers to place the issue/concern in the government agenda. It can be predictable as with the case of election or unpredictable as a result of a crisis situation.

18. Streams Model

19. Elitist Model The model focuses on who sets the agenda (i.e., political officials, corporate representatives, interest groups, influential people and institutions) and that the top political and economic hierarchies set the institutional agenda. The Elitist Model assumes that there exists a dominant class or elites that monopolize political power and that ordinary citizens (masses) have little power over matters concerning the elites