1.14 Fundamentals of Management

1.14 Concept, Objective and Importance of Public Policy 📘🏛️

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🧠 Public Policy

• Definition: Public policy is the purposive course of action or guidelines followed by state agencies in pursuit of public interest.

• It is a clear and precise statement of objectives of the government designed to pursue and promote public interest.

• Public desires and expectations are reflected in public policy.

According to Thomas R. Dye:

"Public policy is whatever the government chooses to do or not to do."

In summary, public policy is:

• Long-term vision and road map of the state in pursuit of public interest.

• Statement of objectives and future strategies of the government.

• Sum total of attitude, behaviour, and culture of the government.

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🎯 Objectives of Public Policy

1. To solve existing problems:

   • Poverty, energy crisis, unemployment, transition, etc.

2. Forwarding the state:

   • To move the state toward prosperity by focusing on overall socioeconomic development.

3. For value protection:

   • Reflected in international relations, social welfare, and dignity of the state.

   • Examples: Policy of non-alignment, accession to WTO, UN, regional organizations, policies on religion, culture, sports, etc.

4. Manage and regularize administrative functions:

   • Maintaining peace and security, ensuring rule of law, managing public finance, delivering public services, etc.

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🔄 Policy Making Process

• A policy established and carried out by the government goes through several stages from inception to conclusion.

• Main stages:

  1. Policy formulation

  2. Policy implementation

  3. Policy monitoring & evaluation

Stages of Policy Making Process (Policy Cycle)

S.N.	Policy Making Process	Sub-stages
1.	Policy Formulation	1. Identification of problems 2. Agenda building/setting 3. Policy formulation 4. Policy adoption
2.	Policy Implementation	1. Policy Publication 2. Arrangement of resources and mechanisms 3. Policy Implementation 4. Compliance Policy
3.	Policy Monitoring & Evaluation	1. Policy Monitoring 2. Policy Evaluation/Inspection 3. Obtaining Feedback 4. Policy Review 5. Corrective Measures

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📚 Sources of Public Policy

Internal Sources

• Constitutional provisions

• Directives principles of the state

• Legal provisions

• Manifestoes of ruling political parties

• International conventions, treaties, agreements, and commitments

• Social norms and values

• Customs and traditions

• Concerns and needs of general public, Civil Society

• Emerging trends and concepts in national and international arenas

• Political ideology of the ruling government

External Sources

• UN Declaration of Rights

• International laws & treaties

• Declaration of regional organizations

• International multilateral organizations: UNO, ILO, IMF, WB, ASEAN, SAARC, ADB

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🧩 Types of Public Policy (4)

1. Substantive Policy:

   • Informs the general public of an agency's current approach to constitutional requirements, administrative rules, or regulations.

   • Examples: Constitution, policies adopted in periodic plans.

2. Regulatory Policy:

   • Achieves government objectives through regulations.

   • Examples: Market regulation, banking, environmental impact, educational institutions, minimum wages.

3. Distributive Policy:

   • Distribution of resources.

   • Examples: Grants, subsidies, public education, public safety, distributive justice practices.

4. Redistributive Policy:

   • Redistribution of income and wealth from "Haves to Have-nots" through social mechanisms.

   • Examples: Taxation, charity, welfare, public services, land reform.

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📈 Levels of Public Policy

1. Public demands

2. Policy decisions

3. Policy statements

4. Policy output

5. Policy outcomes

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🧭 Ingredients of Public Policy

1. Vision of policy

2. Mission of policy

3. Strategies

4. Institutional arrangement

5. Action plan

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🔑 Characteristics of Public Policy

Public policy possesses several key characteristics that define its nature and impact:

1. Goal Oriented

2. Public Interest

3. Authority and Legitimacy

4. Decision Making

5. Policy Instruments

6. Implementation and evaluation

7. Dynamic and Adaptive

8. Stakeholders engagement

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🌍 Importance of Public Policy

Public policy plays a crucial role in shaping societies and addressing complex challenges:

1. Addressing Societal Issues

2. Promoting Public Welfare

3. Guiding Resource Allocation

4. Fostering Economic Growth

5. Ensuring Social Justice

6. Enhancing Governance and Democracy

7. Managing Complexity

8. Promoting Long-Term Sustainability

9. Effective Administration

10. Public Policy Education

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🇳🇵 Formulation of Public Policy in Nepal

• In Nepal, stakeholders' consultations primarily drive the policy analysis process.

• Three primary institutions consulted:

  1. Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs

     • Checks if the policy adheres to constitutional provisions.

  2. National Planning Commission

     • Checks alignment with national development plans and agendas.

  3. Ministry of Finance

     • Provides financing for formulation and implementation.

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🏛️ Executive: Prime Body for Public Policy Formulation

• Line ministries of Federation and provinces

• Local level executives

• National Planning Commission

• Provincial Planning Commission

📜 Legislature

• Enacts acts and laws (part of public policy)

• Reviews existing policies

• Provides suggestions and recommendations to the government

⚖️ Judiciary

• Judicial orders and precedents manifest as public policy

• Makes policy recommendations, directions, and suggestions to the government in judicial matters

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📄 Provisions for Public Policy Making in Nepal

1. Constitution and its directive principles

2. International laws, treaties, and agreements

3. Acts, rules, and directives

4. Manifesto and commitment of political parties

5. Issues raised by general public, media & parliamentarians

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