Policy analysis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Policy analysis or Policy studies is the systematic evaluation of alternative means of achieving social and public policy goals. It is frequently deployed in the public sector but is equally applicable to other kinds of organizations. Most policy analysts have graduated from public policy schools with public affairs degrees.

1 Definition
2 Methodology
3 Models of Policy Analysis
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Definition

Policy analysis refers to the analysis of existing or prospective policies with the intention of improving social welfare. One common methodology is to define the problem and evaluation criteria; identify all alternatives; evaluate them; and recommend the best policy option.

Policy analysis differs from program evaluation in that it attempts to evaluate changes to policies and programs rather than evaluating their current performance. Policy analysts can come from many backgrounds including sociology, psychology, economics, geography, law, political science, public policy, social work and public administration.

[edit] Methodology

Policy analysis is methodologically diverse using both qualitative methods and quantitative methods, including case studies, survey research, statistical analysis, and model building among others.

[edit] Models of Policy Analysis

Many models exist to analyze the creation and application of public policy. Analysts use these models to identify important aspects of policy, as well as explain and predict policy and its consequences.

Some models are:

[edit] Institutional Model

Public policy is determined by political institutions, which give policy legitimacy. Government universally applies policy to all citizens of society and monopolizes the use of force in applying policy.

[edit] Process Model

Policy creation is a process following these steps:

Identification of a problem and demand for government action.
Formulation of policy proposals by various parties (e.g, congressional comities, think tanks, interest groups).
Selection and enactment of policy; this is known as Policy Legitimation.
Evaluation of policy.

[edit] Rational Model

Policy is intended to achieve maximum social gain. Rationally, the policy that maximizes benefits while minimizing costs is the best policy. It is a part of rational choice theory.

[edit] Incremental Model

Policy is a continuation of previous government activity, with minimal changes made to previous policy.

[edit] Group Model

The political system's role is to establish and enforce compromise between various, conflicting interests in society.

[edit] Elite Model

Policy is a reflection of the interests of those individuals within a society that have the most power, rather than the demands of the masses.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

Eugene Bardach, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving
David L. Weimer and Aidan R. Vining, Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice, Prentice Hall