Abstract This paper explains that publicpolicy is a rapidly changing field that has spawned a variety of epistemological approaches to its study. This author examines a post-modern approach, the approach of the new institutionalist and a collaborative approach employed with mixed results by government organizations. The paper argue that the postmodern, linguistic approach demonstrates the most promise for the future of publicpolicy studies.
From the Paper "The complex interplay of individuals and institutions (both governmental and otherwise) has become an exceptionally pertinent subject as nations and NGOs collide on an international scale, each vying for control of public policy and the outcome of the conflict uncertain. For students of public policy, the matter has become no less complicated. As the relationships between people and institutions becomes more intricate, determining the nature of those relationships has spawned a variety of new academic approaches to the study of public policy, each vying for dominance in the field. The purpose of this paper is not to research these various methodologies for their own sake, but instead to present the author's own views regarding the study of public policy."
Abstract The paper examines a publicpolicy requiring employers to provide health care benefits to their employees. The paper includes one graph.
From the Paper "Health care in the United States has gained national attention in recent years as news stories detail senior citizens traveling to Canada to purchase prescription drugs at more reasonable prices and the unavailability of a flu vaccine for most Americans that caused long lines for the doses that were available. Health care is a critical concern for most workers as well as their employers, since a key reason-other than vacations-that employees miss work is because of illness."
Tags: Wal-Mart, publicpolicy, health care, health insurance, McDonald's, Proposition 72, Prop. 72
Abstract This document discusses and responds to a series of four questions or statements regarding publicpolicy and administration. These issues are group think, the budgetary stimulus in public administration, and strategic planning and oversight within the public organization. The distinction is made that public organizations are not only structured differently from private enterprise but that they are different by design rather than accident.
Outline:
Abstract
PublicPolicy Questions
Group Think
Group Think in the War on Terror
Incrementalism & Decision Making
Drucker and the Public Institution
From the Paper "Group think is a dangerous rationale to rely on or to allow oneself to fall into within public policy administration. In fact it is a dangerous logical fallacy to fall prey to in any field. Shafritz and Russell mention the group think characteristics of an illusion of invulnerability and collective rationalization in their review of group think examples historically in the United States and more recently related to the Bush administration in the current Iraq War (2005, p.298). These and other characteristics commonly manifest themselves when policy officials become mired in excessive stereotyping and conformity relative to policy decisions and the information that leads up to those decisions. As the case points out, the current administration brooked little dissension in its own closely held ranks prior to and during the buildup up to the Iraq War and this has led to a virtual replay of the events that led up to the Vietnam War from a policy perspective (Shafritz & Russell, 2005, p.298). The results of this group think are just now becoming apparent as the administration and the people aligned with it are beginning to disintegrate in terms of their ability to maintain the facade of unanimity. This is the same type of coercive thinking and mindset which developed during the height of the technology bubble when so many executives within the technology industry knew that such lavish spending was unsustainable and certainly catastrophic when combined with little or no revenues but, when faced with the option of stepping in and curtailing spending, very few executives, such as those at Pets.com chose to do so. There was a collective rationalization that there would be no consequences to their actions and certainly ongoing self-censorship since many executives chose to simply keep quiet."
Abstract This paper explains that, in his article, Hugh Miller's "Postmodern PublicPolicy" suggests that all knowledge is skewed by people's intentions. The author points out that Miller quotes Jacques Derrida's approach to knowledge and information as being either fact or fiction. This paper also examines the issue of how one determines between true and fiction.
From the Paper "While searching through academic journal articles it has become apparent that postmodernism is the "term of the day" as it can be found in many print materials. The world of public policy, postmodernism is a slippery slope. Postmodern public policy is complex, particularly the formation and implementation aspects. This concept of public policy in the 21st century is really public management. In the latter part of the 20th century, approaches to public policy and public administration appear to have been more objective and neutral compared to previous years."
Abstract The first part of this paper defines the concept of publicpolicy and explores how publicpolicies are developed and implemented. The author discusses the various stages involved before a policy can be implemented and the difficulties entailed in implementation. In the second part, the author examines the practical side of publicpolicy in a detailed analysis of Saudi Arabia's educational system and the challenges of reforming and modernizing it through publicpolicies due to the religious nature of traditional education.
Outline
Introduction
Theoretical Aspects
Publicpolicies in the educational system in Saudi Arabia
General Overview
Publicpolicies in the educational system in Saudi Arabia
Conclusion
From the Paper "Finally, due to the fact that Saudi Arabia is a rich, yet instable country, it is important to see the reasons for the lack of coherent public policies, as there are both winners and losers at the political level. In this sense, at least in the educational system, the conflicting political forces in the country tend to have a big influence over the framing of a reliable and adequate policy which would eventually lead to a reformation of the system, as intended by the current ruling Royal Family. The current debates focus especially on the differing views of the Wahhabis, which represent the religious authority in Saudi Arabia, and the Royal Family, which tends to identify itself with the trend of modernity and reformation in the country."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the process of publicpolicy making. According to the paper, the policy making process that occurs in governmental organizations is a complex process that involves many organizations and entities, and is inclusive of several stages in the policy-making process. The paper further discusses the thesis of Charles E. Lindblom and Edward Woodhouse.
Outline:
Introduction
The Nature of Policy Different Kinds of Policy Analysis
How Perceived Problems gets on the Public Agenda
The Major Players in the Process
The Decision-Making Processes Used to Adopt Policies The Environment Within Which Policy Must Take Place
How Federalism Impacts the Policy-Making Process
Assessment of the Process Using the Thesis of Lindblom and Woodhouse
From the Paper "Policy analysis is stated to have its limitations in the work of Lindblom and Woodhouse and the policy-makers are generally given too much advice or information which is incidentally extensive but does not offer a contrary or different point of view. Another limitation exists in the fact that while one group would hold that the correct action was taken yet another group would believe that the action was incorrect and this is based on individual reasoning. Stated is: "There runs a deep and wide river of information and opinion fed by many springs, from formal research projects to letters to the editor, some of which makes it way into the thinking of those with direct influence over policy." [p.15]"
Abstract This paper analyzes Steven Kelman's concept of the public spirit in making publicpolicy in his book, "Making PublicPolicy: A Hopeful View of American Government". It shows how the book outlines the trials and tribulations of the US government over the years whenever it has endeavored to formulate publicpolicy by illustrating the factors driving a government to make effective publicpolicies.
From the Paper "Public policy making for a nation requires extensive experience as well as the primary knowledge of the existing system. For the United States, public policy process is the responsibility of the government as well as the political bodies. It is due to this fact that one observe differences in opinions as to which party works for the interest of the people and which must have more attention - that is, whether the government should concentrate upon national interest or individual interest, states interest as opposed to international interest or should it concern itself with allocation of resources to the various department of the US government."
Abstract This paper studies the way media and other special interest groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, affects publicpolicy and political socialization. The author defines media, special interest groups, publicpolicy and political socialization and concludes that though the media and special interest groups do indeed notably affect America's publicpolicy and political socialization, the public should consider their source before believing information that is presented to them.
Outline:
Research Findings
Analysis of Findings, Including PublicPolicy Considerations (Pros and Cons)
Statement of Issues Based Upon Findings and Analysis
Conclusion
Recommendations
Works Cited
From the Paper "Special interest groups are thought by many people to help shape public policy. Special interest groups are a major platform from which citizens can express their opinions to policymakers. Their participation in policymaking may improve decision-making processes; they do this by supporting policies that coincide with citizen preferences and blocking policies that solely reflect the interests or wishes of the politician or the governing elite. One example of how interest groups played a role in the policymaking process is through the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The interest groups effected the legislation passed by congress after September 11 attacks. On the other hand, due to the fact that some policies often impose costs on parts of the public, the policy-makers may be blinded and not implement the most efficient policies. This results from the intense pressures that special interest groups produce."
Abstract This paper discusses aspects of publicpolicy administration and then applies them to a case study regarding public transportation. The paper presents a summary of the case, which involves the Metro Market Development. The paper also discusses the goal of publicpolicy processes in general and examines the intersection between public and private responsibilities.
Tags: case study, transportation, publicpolicy, public administration
Abstract This paper analyzes thoroughly and critically disasters or common failures in publicpolicy in the developed and developing world. The discussion spans examples and case-studies in the UK, US in comparison to Anglophone Africa and the Caribbean. What causes policy failures/disasters as well as various useful recommendations for more effective publicpolicy-making are examined drawing on many theories of prominent scholars in the field of publicpolicy and development management.
From the Paper "In general, the process of public policy-making is subject to numerous disasters and many serious public policy failures. At the heart of such disasters and failures have been the contradictory circumstances, paths and outcomes of policies of regulation, deregulation, over-regulation, corrupt and bad politics, lack of planning, lack of accountability, transparency, initiative and risk management and the dominance of particular groups, organisations or individuals. Indeed it is this plexus of policy processes which may be termed as underlying factors common to policies that are disastrous and fraught with failures, and at the very least, factors that make policies counter productive or that produce either intended or unintended negative consequences. Disasters and serious failures, in particular, best refer to such unintended policies that cause collapse, confusion, and chaos and sometimes damage that is irreversible or difficult to overcome."
This paper evaluates how a country's publicpolicy is impacted by the country's historical background and its population's support for the government, using India and Russia as case studies.
Abstract This paper compares Russia's and India's publicpolicy sector to illustrate the relevance of country specificities in terms of publicpolicies and institutions, as well as the importance of historical background in framing and developing such policies and institutions. The paper demonstrates how both countries have had difficulty establishing a proper publicpolicy sector because of their historical backgrounds, their cultural traditions, and their current political situations.
From the Paper "The public policy sector is an important level of government in any modern country. It makes the connection between the government and the ones governed the population. In this sense it can also be considered to be a sign of democracy and of fair governance. However, there are countries in the world that have trouble in establishing and developing a proper public policy sector due to their historical background, their cultural tradition, but also their current political situation. Among such countries are India and Russia, two of the most important players on the international scene, great economic powers, and important forces in terms of the demographic aspect. A comparison between them can show both the relevance of country specificities in terms of public policies and institutions, as well as the importance of historical background in framing and developing such policies and institutions."
Tags: trust, corruption, democracy, population, energy
Abstract This paper looks at how publicpolicy in America reflects the values, interests, and preferences of the governing elite and how believing that publicpolicy reflects the demands of the people expresses the myth, rather than the reality, of democracy. It looks at how the simple reality is that publicpolicy is made from the top down; the underlying values of democracy, liberty, and equality are fundamental moral values belonging to every individual. It focuses on the issue of gay marriage and the fight to have it legalized.
Outline
Introduction
Issue Statement
Beliefs and Values
History and Overview
Key Players and Influences
Actions
Barriers
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "The gay-marriage issue has been on the back burner for decades, but it did not become a priority for gay-rights advocates till the 1990s. Before the Vermont case, state courts in both Hawaii and Alaska issued preliminary rulings in favor of gay marriage. The court moves in both of these cases were stopped by state constitutional amendments (Jost, 2003). During this same time period, the Netherlands and Belgium became the first and second countries to recognize same-sex marriage, by parliamentary action. In June 2003, the Canadian government announced that it would acquiesce to a ruling by Ontario's highest provincial court and would begin to prepare legislation to legalize same-sex marriages for couples throughout the country."
Abstract A discussion of the history of the study of publicpolicy. The author examines the difference between policy science and policy analysis, and explains the basic guidelines to understand policy processes. Policy theory, domains, environments, linkages, influences and models are among the topics that the writer investigates. The paper shows how all the factors identified for the policy process are applicable to the healthcare industry in the U.S. and how much it is affected by the government's policy making process.
From the Paper "The study of public policy gained momentum in the late 1960s. With the introduction of the Great Society program by Johnson, the need for developing an understanding of expanded government activity originated. Another factor that led to the evolution of policy studies and processes was the proliferation of government programs in the 1960s and 70s. As the government became increasingly interested in resolving various social problems, policy makers were forced to seek assistance to find solutions to these problems. Search for solutions to various social problems led to several researches in the areas of social sciences. However, it is interesting to note that the academic work done in the areas of social sciences was incompatible for practical implementation of policy studies."
Abstract This paper discusses how policy making today is more important than ever and how the development of methods for implementing effective policies across the board has become increasingly more complicated. It looks at how John Kingdon's book, "Agendas, Alternatives, and PublicPolicies", tries to determine how an idea eventually becomes policy and how the author supports the use of scientific research methods to accomplish this task. It also shows how Kingdon's theories on policy provide workable perspectives on how to locate and open the windows of opportunity for policy changes.
From the Paper "In recent years, many health care facilities in the U. S. have closed their doors or merged with other organizations, often causing problems for patients who may not be covered under their health plans for these kinds of facility changes. In the midst of this controversy proposed legislation and reform, has been a chaotic display of social and political pressures that have impeded the process of successful policy reform.
Kingdon's theories are based on qualitative and empirical analyses of the policy?making processes at the federal level and indicates that the path to important public policy change is the survival of an idea over a long course of trial and error and debate by empowered stakeholders."
Abstract This paper deals with evaluating the role of transparency in strengthening public service provision and in designing effective publicpolicies. Different theories and practices of transparency in government and other actors in society vis-a-vis the public are discussed thoroughly. The paper also examines the view that there are some cases where transparency may be best, some cases where it may not be the best way, or may need to be greater, and this is achieved by drawing, comprehensively, on literature and data in the developed and developing world alike.
From the Paper "In designing policies, the sensitivity to motivational complexity, Goodin's third principle, has to be considered. There are a number of impulses that drive the motives of social actors. Some of these are self-seeking impulses that tend to exist alongside "principled and altruistic motives". His final principle, variability, is seen as a central principle of design. He suggests that experiments be undertaken with different structures in different places. There should also be a willingness to use the concept of lesson drawing where appropriate---learn from others? successes and failures. "
