Policy Analysis Governments and Organizations Discussion Chapter

Patton (1990) identifies six steps for policy analysis. Firstly, we must verify and define the details of the problem. This initial step ensures that objectives are clarified and any ambiguity resolved. Secondly, the evaluation criteria are created. These criteria are necessary to enable the comparison and measurement of measures. The cost of the program or policy is examined in its multifaceted components. Once the first two steps are adequately and effectively, completed options to the existing policy can be examined and considered. This step demonstrates the incremental nature of policy analysis. Each step is often dependent on successfully completing the first step.

The fourth step of policy analysis is the evaluation of the alternative policies. Policy analysis is inadequate if the competing policies are not examined for their feasibility and value. This evaluative action would usually involve different qualitative and quantitative analyses. Subsequently it becomes important to distinguish between alternative policies. Thus the fifth step requires the creation and implementation of comparative schema.These schemes are necessary to distinguish between policies. The final step involves the monitoring of the policy that is finally implemented.

Policy makers benefit from policy analysis because they are able to identify the best policies among different polices. The best policies are often based on the criteria developed and they should involve elements of efficiency and effectiveness (Marston 2004). Additionally, policy analysis allows leaders to identify ineffective policies. However, the identification of ineffective policies does not ensure that the policy is replaced. The replacement of policy has a lot of political implications and is not singularly dependent on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the measure.

References

Patton C. (1999). Steps for a successful policy analysis. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/tutorial/Barrien/barrien.htm

Marston, G. (2004). Social Policy and Discourse Analysis: Policy Change in Public Housing.

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