Public Policy Theories power point. define theory

“It’s one small step for man, one
giant leap for mankind.”
- NEIL ARMSTRONG

Lesson Objectives
1. Define theory
2. To identify the different theories on Public Policy.
3. Analyze the policy using the public policy
theories.

What is Theory
A theory is a systematic grouping of interdependent
concepts and principles. It provides the means of
classifying significant management information and
knowledge.

Institutionalism/Institutional
Model
A policy only will only become a public policy when
legitimized by the government agency concerned
(i.e., Office of the President, House of
Representatives). Once enacted, a policy acquires
legal powers to demand obligation and loyalty from
the citizens; as well as to have concomitant punitive
components.

Institutionalism/Institutional
Model
The context of public policy may vary from one
institution to another or may be derived from the
Constitution which is the highest type of policy in the
land. Meanwhile, the content of the public policy is
somewhat determined and affected by the
dichotomy between politics and administration.

Rationalism/Rational Comprehensive/Rational
Decision-Making Model
All the possible options or approaches to solving the
problem are identified, and the costs and benefits
are carefully analyzed. The option with the greatest
net benefit is selected because the model asserts
that a rational policy is one that achieves “maximum
social gain”.

The model ensures that all considerations are looked
into before making decisions but also assumes that
policy makers should have adequate and accurate
information on the cause and the would-be effect of
the policy intervention as well as of the possible
consequences of the alternatives chosen.

The model has certain limitations such as it: a)
requires a lot of time; b) requires lots of information;
c) assumes accurate, stable, and complete
knowledge of the alternatives, preferences, and
consequences; and d) assumes a rational and non-
political world.

Incrementalism/Incremental Model
The model emphasizes that there is a structured
sequence of activities which leads to the resolution
of a problem. It also suggests that major decisions
must be broken down into small steps namely; a)
identification; b) development; and c) selection
process.

The model promotes trial and error process to solve
big problems using small steps (muddling through).
The model asserts that: a) public policy deals with
moving targets; b) process is not completely rational;
c) analysis is limited; d) information is ambiguous
and subject to different interpretations;

e) stakeholders may have varied opinions about
means and ends; f) actors make adjustments as
based on their perception of what is good or of
public interest; g) it forges compromise and helps
build legitimacy; and h) forecasting (i.e., election)
may affect the implementation and the outcomes.

Streams Model
The Streams model of policy-making focuses on the
timing of policy action rather than on the
component steps. The model aims to explain why
some issues and problems become prominent in the
policy agenda and are eventually translated to
concrete policies while others just dissipate.

Streams Model
The Problem Stream puts forward that a problem/issue
and alternative measures must be determined first for a
situation and the proposed measure to be converted
into policy. The feeling that a current situation or a
foreseen situation is wrong and something can be done
to improve the situation is also seen as a basis for
addressing an issue through the creation of
corresponding policy.

Streams Model
The Solution Stream is concerned with the generation
of policy alternatives and proposals. The proposals and
solutions must be technically feasible. While the
proposals are not initially built to resolve given problem,
they are eventually attached to a problem which can be
addressed by the proposal

Streams Model
The Political Stream takes place independent to the two
streams. However, political events may lead to the
inclusion or exclusion of the topic or proposed policy to
the agenda. The special needs created by a political
event therefore, may change the agenda.

Streams Model
Window of opportunity occurs in response to the
emergence of major problem and proposed solution, as
well as, conducive political climate which can sway the
decision-makers to place the issue/concern in the
government agenda. It can be predictable as with the
case of election or unpredictable as a result of a crisis
situation.

Elitist Model
The model focuses on who sets the agenda (i.e.,
political officials, corporate representatives, interest
groups, influential people and institutions) and that the
top political and economic hierarchies set the
institutional agenda. The Elitist Model assumes that
there exists a dominant class or elites that monopolize
political power and that ordinary citizens (masses) have
little power over matters concerning the elites

Public Policy Theories power point. define theory

More Related Content

Similar to Public Policy Theories power point. define theory (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Public Policy Theories power point. define theory

Editor's Notes