Public policy analysis
In Policy analysis, the initial important point is identifying the problem in order to set the objectives. The Analysts and stakeholders must be involved in defining the problem so that they can express their views on the problem and offer possible solutions (Bardach & Patashnik, 2016). Before providing solutions, it is important to specify the issues in terms of the effects of the problem in order to create the path of offering solutions and involving the government. In policy analysis, it is important to put culture into concern and evaluate the shared valued, attitude and behaviors of people in the society (Heineman et al, 2001). In a society, problems may arise from education, healthcare and communication and these problems require policy formulation in order to provide solutions. Thus, in policy analysis, it is important to include the cultural issues and measure values in order to have a clear understanding of the problem. For example, Heineman et al (2001) asserts that “Equality does not support liberty”. This means that there is a conflict which exists between equality and liberty because many policy makers fail to involve the cultural issues in policy design. Thus, culture has an impact in policy analysis and it important to value culture in order to reinforce liberty and equality. In policy analysis, government brings some challenges which hinder the implementation of effective policy. The political and civil servant fails to coordinate with governmental officials thereby creating obstacles in policy analysis. Lack of coordination creates the politics of difference which leads to lack of social justice (Pal, 2013).
On the topic of public policy analysis, there are additional question which I would like to look at as they will help us to understand the policy analysis in a deeper manner. Should political theories be applied in policy analysis? Do they play role in policy analysis? Can analytical techniques assist in policy analysis? With respect to the book chapters, there is a question which needs a further clarification. In chapter three pages 62, Heineman et al (2001) asserts that “Equality does not support liberty”. I understand that when people get equal rights, then it means that every person has the freedom to enjoying the right as there is not coercion. Then, why are there equality and no liberty?
Reference
Heineman, R.A., Bluhm, W.T., Peterson, S.A., & Kearny, E.N. (2001). The World of the Policy Analyst. 3rd
- New York: Chatham House Publishers, Seven Bridges Press, LLC. FROM PAGE 56-83
Pal, L.A. (2013). Beyond Policy Analysis: Public Issue Management in Turbulent Times. 5th ed. Toronto,
Ontario, Canada: Nelson. FROM PAGE 43-128
Bardach, E. & Patashnik, E.M. (2016). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis, 5th ed. Thousand Oaks: CQ
Press FROM PAGE 1-12 & 113-124
