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Public policy analysis
This document provides an overview of public policy analysis. It defines policy analysis as using evidence and reason to select the best policy among alternatives to address a problem. The summary discusses three key points: 1) Policy analysis integrates methods from multiple disciplines like political science, economics, and sociology to produce information relevant to policy problems, potential solutions, and outcomes. 2) There are three main forms of policy analysis: prospective focuses on predicting future impacts before implementation; retrospective examines past policies after implementation; and integrated combines both approaches. 3) A good policy analysis considers what is known empirically, what is valued, and what actions should be taken to resolve issues - requiring the use of descriptive, normative,
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Public policy analysis
- 1. Public Policy Analysis:An Introduction William N. Dunn Associate Dean and Professor University of Pittsburg Dr. Dunn is a scholar, educator, and academic administrator. His most well-known publication is Public Policy Analysis, 4th ed.,which is one of the most widely cited books on the methodology of policy research and analysis in print.
- 2. What is PolicyAnalysis: Definitions The use of reason and evidence to select the best policy among a number of alternatives to address a particular policy problem. (MacRae and Wilde). “An applied social science that utilizes multiple research methods, in argumentation and debate contexts, to create, estimate critically, and communicate knowledge that is relevant to the policies.” (Dunn) A process through which one identifies and evaluates “alternative policies or programs that are intended to lessen or resolve social, economic or physical problems” (Patton & Sawicki)
- 3. “Policy analysis isclient oriented advice relevant to public, or private, decisions and informed by social values” Weiner & Vining
- 4. A good analysisor even a good decision Does Not Guarantee that the optimal solution will be selected and / or implemented.
- 5. What Policy AnalysisCan and Cannot Do……. Policy analysis can assist decision makers in choosing a preferred course of action from complex alternatives and under uncertain conditions. Policy analysis is not a panacea or a substitute for inadequate policymaking processes, defects of public decisions, bad judgment on the part of analysts or policymakers, an exact science or a tool for advocacy by the analyst for his/her own views.
- 6. One way tolook at the Analysis The Problem & the Solution “a problem well formulated is a problem half solved” Defining the Policy Problem is easier said than done…..
- 7. Not all PublicProblems are amenable to policy analysis, but when they.., the analysis can support decision making to: Determine whether a new policy is required to addressthe problem I f a policy already exists, determine whether it needs to be modified or terminated Analyze one policy (retrospectively or prospectively) Compare two or more policies that address a similar problem Assess future implications of current or new policies Explore stages in the development of particular policies
- 8. We want tolearn how to look at problems from multiple perspectives to achieve the best problem definition and possible / feasible solutions
- 9. Example: Increasing rates oflung cancer among certain population groups could be framed as: T h e failure of individuals to stop smoking,or Failure of the health care providers to provide adequate / timely information, or Failure of the Government to regulate smoking in public places, or Failure on the part of Government to take the opportunity to improve research, to raise taxes by increasing the price of cigarettes A l l of theabove
- 10. Increasing obesity amongyoungsters and among certain population groups could be framed as: T h e failure of parents or individual will to change their eating behaviors, or T h e inability of health care providers to provideadequate and timely information, or Failure of the government to:Regulate health care dept. Eliminate harmful substances from the general diet Build more places for people to exercise A l l of theabove
- 11. Problem Definition “There isa difference between a condition and a problem…conditions become defined as problems when we come to believe that we should do something about them…the problem doesn’t have to get any worse or better”. Kingdon, 1984
- 12. Problem Definition inDecision Making Problem definition depends on: How issues are framed, portrayed How obvious is the crisis that the problem evokes How it is measured Endless ways to look at a particular problem, yet limited time, money and energy. Hence, highly complex issues are simplified; focus on certain aspects happens at the expense of other aspects / elements
- 13. Challenges of PublicPolicy problems (Social problems) M a y show up in ways that are difficult toaddress “Inherently multidimensional”, overlap & contradict A r e ill defined, so “wickedproblems” T h e consensus over social goals may beillusory Decision-makers have different preferences and values, often conflicting T h e definition of a policy problem is not completely scientific or systematic: creativity, sagacity, socially constructed
- 14. Situation that canbe perceived as important into a problem Indicators reveal its existence, magnitude, severity Events or crisis call attention on a problem T h e results of evaluations (or monitoring/surveillance) show
- 15. Methodology of PolicyAnalysis: integrates elements from Multiple disciplines Political Science Sociology Psychology Economics Philosophy
- 16. Three Approaches toPolicy Analysis Approach Primary Question Type of Information Empirical Does it and will it exist? (facts) Descriptive and predictive Valuative Of what worth is it? (values) Valuative Normative What should be done? (value- (action) critical) Prescriptive
- 17. Five types ofPolicy relevant information: interrelated and interdependent S. Types Importance No. 1 Policy Problems Conceptualizing problem from different angles-viable solutions 2 Policy Futures Identifying consequences of future course of action 3 Policy Actions Forecasting & evaluating consequences of action based on different alternatives 4 Policy Ensuring an observed consequences of policy Outcomes actions Policy Finding the degree of value contributed by 5 Performance policy outcome (useful in forecasting policy future)
- 18. Five Info isobtained by the means of - Policy Analysis Process of Inquiry S. No. Procedure Information 1 Definition (Problem Structuring) Conditions giving rise to a policy problem 2 Prediction (Forecasting) Future consequences of acting on policy alternatives, including doing nothing 3 Prescription (Recommendation) Future course of action 4 Description (Monitoring) Present and Past causes and consequences of acting on policy alternatives 5 Evaluation Value or worth of consequences in solving the problem
- 19. Process of PolicyCommunication: 4 Stage Process Policy Analyst 1 Policy Analysis 2 Materials Development 4 Knowledge Utilization 3 Interactive Communication Knowledge: Policy Problems Policy Futures Policy Actions Policy Performance Presentations: Conversations Conferences Meetings Briefings Hearings Stakeholders: Agenda Setting Policy Formulation Policy Adoption Policy Implemen. Policy Assessment Documents: Policy Memo Policy Issue Papers Exe. Summary Appendices News Release
- 20. Three Elements ofPolicy System Policy Stakeholders Public Policy Policy Environment Crime Inflation Unemployment Discrimination Policy Analysts Citizens’ Groups Labor Unions Law Enforcement Economic Welfare Parties Personnel Urban Squalor Agencies Urban Source: Adapted from Thomas R. Dye, Understanding Public Policy 3rd ed.
- 21. Six Elements ofPolicy Arguments: the main vehicle for conducting debates about PP Issues 1. Policy Relevant Information (Therefore) 6. Qualifier 2. Policy Claim (Bcoz) 4. Backing (Since) 3. Warrant (Unless) 5. Rebuttal (Bcoz) Backing Probably Nuclear power is two or three Times more efficient than Conventional Power Sources Production of Nuclear energy is The only way to ensure continuing growth Of the economy Arab Countires can continue To embargo oil. Other sources Are limited This is the conclusion of panel of experts Govt. should invest in The construction of Nuclear power plants Solar Energy can be developed On a large scale
- 22. Dunn’s Integrated Framework:Problem Centered Policy Analysis Problem Structuring Problem Structuring Policy Problems Forecasting Monitoring Evaluation Recommendation Policy Outcomes Policy Actions Policy Futures Policy Performance
- 23. The process ofpolicy analysis is a series of intellectual activities carried out within a process comprised of activities that are essentially political
- 24. Reconstructed Logic Vs.Logic-in-Use Reconstructed Logic Logic-in-Use Process – problem centered policy analysis Variation can occur due to personal characteristics of analysts and the institutional setting Designed for methodological purposes ie. For studying the strengths and weaknesses of different methods & techniques of Policy Analysis Factors that Influence variation: •Cognitive Style: diff. Knowledge •Analytical Roles: Entrep, Politicians and Technicians •Institutional Incentive system: Different orientation – humanistic & scientific; quality control also differs •Institutional time constraints: expedite •Professional Socialization: varied orientation (traditional/basic & applied)
- 25. Forms of PolicyAnalysis Prospective Policy Analysis Retrospective Policy Analsis Integrated Policy Analysis
- 26. Three major formsof Policy Analysis: Prospective PolicyAnalysis: Involves the production and transformation of information before policy actions are initiated and implemented. Tends to Characterize the operating styles of economists, systems analysts, and operations researchers. Synthesizes information to draw policy alternatives and preferences.
- 27. Prospective Analysis oftencreates large gap Preferred Solutions to Problems Efforts of Govt. to resolve the problem Gaps
- 28. Retrospective Policy Analysis Confinedto the production and transformation of information after policy actions have been taken. Operating styles of three major groups of analysts: 1.Discipline oriented analysts 2.Problem oriented analysts 3.Application oriented analysts
- 29. Discipline Oriented Analysis Problem Oriented Analysis ApplicationOriented Analysis Political Scientists & Political Scientists & Also persons from social Sociologists – seeks to Sociologists - seeks to work, public develop and test describe the causes and administration & discipline based theories. consequences of policies. evaluation research. Seeks to describe causes & consq Describe the causes and Less concerned with the Not concerned with dev. consequences of the development and testing of And testing of discipline policies. theories. Discipline based theories. Oriented Analysis What affected the policies Seldom attempts to Seldom provides info about They are concerned with identity specific goals and specific goals and the identification of goals objectives of policymakers objectives of policymakers. and objectives of policy (does not distinguish Coz the problem they makers and other “policy variables”). analyze are usually of stakeholders. Good info for general nature. evaluating policy outcome.
- 30. Prospective Policy Analysis Suffers frominadequate & unreliable info. About changes in values , goals and objectives which occur after policies have been implemented. Integrated Policy Analysis Builds on the strengths of both Prospective & Retrospective Analysis – multidisciplinary in full sense of the world Multidisciplinary framework, concerns with the production & transformation of information both before and after policy actions have been taken. Provides methodology for policy analysis (rules & procedures) Retrospective Policy Analysis Suffers from its nature i.e. confined with passive reporting of information about the consequences of implemented policies Integrated Policy Analysis
- 31. An Integrated Framework Policy Performance PolicyActions Policy Outcomes Policy Futures Policy Problems Forecasting Monitoring Evaluation Recommend ation P. S. P.S. Retrospective What happened? After action Prospective What will happen? Before action
- 32. Methodology of PolicyAnalysis: Distinction between theories Descriptive Decision Theory: set of logically consistent propositions that describe action. Primary aim is to understand a policy problem rather than to solve it. Normative Decision Theory: set of logically consistent propositions that provide a basis for improving the consequences of action. Appropriate for predicting and recommending different courses of action before they have occurred. Aim is to solve the problem - “Problem Solving” methodology.
- 33. Summary A combination and transformationof the substance and methods of several disciplines, intends to produce policy relevant information to resolve the problems Knowledge of what is (fact), what is right (values) and what to do (action) requires / demands the use of multiple methods of inquiry Policy analysis has 3 main forms: prospective, retrospective & integrated
- 34.