Top 7 Public Policy Models

 Public policy focuses on policy analysis of political, social, and economic interventions formulated by governments to solve problems that have an impact on society. As government interventions have continuously expanded in size and scope, there has been an increased reliance on scientific approaches to analyze how and why a decision is taken by the government. 

Public policy analysis deals with the utilization of scientific theories and methodologies in assessing issues of public importance to provide statistical data on the impact of the government’s various policies.

The type of model employed in public policy depends on certain assumptions or what you are trying to accomplish. Below are some of the foundational models commonly used to assess and understand the policy.

●     Institutionalism emphasizes the role of institutions and government as separate branches and the power structures that exist to ensure checks and balances.  It focuses on the policy process (structures, functions, and duties) of governmental institutions rather than policy outcomes. How policy moves from a conception stage, all the way to the evaluation stage and its impact. Institutionalism uses organizational charts in assessing policy and draws insights from social science disciplines such as political science, economics, and sociology. 

●     Rationalism focuses on an efficient decision-making process. It emphasizes that policymakers have a wide range of policy options to select from, and the consequences of each alternative policy option relative to cost (using the cost-benefit analysis), should ensure that policy options selected by institutions maximizes societal gains at the least cost. It recommends the use of predictive analysis in the policy option selection process.

●      Incrementalism emphasizes policy as a continuation of previous policy with minimal disruptions. The idea is that policies once in place, at least, move very slowly and steadily, with little incremental changes made to policies over a long period. Policymakers are reluctant to make huge jumps due to uncertainty about the consequences of new policies, thus only short-run analysis should be undertaken in the search for policy solutions.

●     Group theory also called pluralism talks about public policy and competing groups' control movements, such as special interests, trade unions, religious groups, and other lobby groups that voice their opinions and ideas to influence policies that impact social life and maximize their interests. Thus, policymakers enforce compromise between the various conflicting interests in the society by assessing the likelihood for conflicts between competing groups, and the ability to engage in conflict resolutions.

●     Punctuated Equilibrium Theory states that policy changes essentially occur gradually over long periods. However, policy change can be dramatic and quick if spurred by major or structural events necessitating a new direction for future policy. Punctuated Equilibrium Theory assesses the long periods of policy stability interrupted by the short but critical periods of change.

●     Public choice theory looks into market forces and their economic impact on policy mechanisms. It theorizes that self-interest motivates individuals' personal and communal choices, and as governments consist of individuals, policies are the result of individuals making decisions in their roles as elected officials. Therefore, to understand past governance processes, we need to analyze how individuals in government made personal economic decisions, as individuals have different values and interests, which collectively pursued, can be mutually beneficial.

●    Game theory focuses on rational choices, the idea of competition as opposed to cooperation and outcomes. Game theory is often used in military strategy, finance, and related areas and is a deductive model of policymaking. It assesses how rational decisions are made in competitive situations, using Nash equilibria, imperfect information, and mixed strategies.

 

Public policy is important because government rules and regulations impact various aspects of our lives. Individuals assess public policies based on their impact, that is, who are the policy beneficiaries and who are the losers. Even the most well-intentioned policies can have an unforeseen effect on social life.

If you would like to learn more about my blog visit https://www.masterly.uk/home

About the author: Emmanuel is an economist and certified project manager, working on operations and strategy for UK research and development network, Masterly Limited.