Policy is more than just laws and regulations; it’s how those laws and regulations are interpreted. Framing affects what solutions are considered and ultimately implemented, and it also influences how those policies play out in the real world. It’s why involving stakeholders before implementation is so important. They can bring economic insights on the cost-benefits of a policy, community partners who can provide context and assess a policy’s real or potential impact, and government officials who will implement the policy and can speak to its feasibility.
Policy Analysis
The goal of policy analysis is to determine the best option that will produce the desired result, such as a solution to a specific problem. This process examines the strengths and weaknesses of different policy options, such as raising taxes or cutting a department’s budget. It is a key step in policymaking because it can help prevent misguided decisions and identify the most viable choice.
Distributive Policy
This type of policy involves the allocation of resources, services or benefits to a specific group in society, such as children, families, communities or businesses. This is often done to promote social or economic equity. This is a form of policymaking that requires careful consideration of the possible side effects of a policy and how it will be enforced. It’s also a key component of the evaluation phase, which looks at whether a policy has achieved its intended outcomes. Formative evaluations focus on learning while a policy is being implemented, and they are often used to guide decision-making in the future.
About the Author
