What are the main theoretical approaches to the policy process? What are the differences between policy process models across disciplines? What are the major cross-cutting themes? Which model provides the most accurate description of the policy process? The policy process is a much-contested subject in academia. Most literature on the policy process concentrates on viewing it through one discipline. This paper considers theoretical approaches from political science, sociology, anthropology, international relations and management in its consideration of the issues involved, and provides a glossary of key terms.
This Overseas Development Institute Working Paper provides a succinct introduction to the policy process. Firstly, the dominant ‘linear model’ of policy making is outlined, before the principles of policy process models across disciplines are discussed. Five cross-cutting themes are then reviewed: The dichotomy between policy-making and implementation; the management of change; the role of interest groups in the policy process; and the narrowing of policy alternatives.
The key argument of the paper is that a ‘linear model’ of policy making is inadequate as policies often change as they move from the bureaucracies that create them to where they are implemented. The policy process is instead a ‘chaos of purposes and accidents’. A combination of concepts and tools from different disciplines can be utilised to understand the chaos of individual policy decisions. The paper concludes with a check-list of elements from conception of an idea to mobilising resources for implementation that combine to make policy happen. Some highlights of these include:
- Good links between and within agencies whereby lessons learned from practical experience can be shared and acted upon.
- Good connections between interested parties such as aid organisations, the research community and government through which ideas are exchanged and thoughts clarified about possible policy directions (making a ‘network’).
- General consensus within an organisation or wider network (which may include the general public) on what change is needed; that a new policy direction is required; and that old strategies are not working as well as they could.
- Organisations fostering innovation: People are encouraged to develop new ways of doing things and are confident their ideas will be considered with an open mind by others.
- Sufficient motivation and energy to use and mobilise these resources to achieve the goals of a policy innovation.
The paper argues that it is inappropriate to use only one school of thought when considering the policy making process. All disciplines offer useful insights into how policy is formed. Some key considerations and implications are:
- The dichotomy between policy-making and implementation can be a tool to avoid responsibility for policy outcomes.
- Building support for reform, reforming organisational structure, mobilising resources and consolidating change are key techniques in addressing the fear of change.
- Contrary to what the linear model suggests, policy makers consider only a narrow range of options and have imperfect information when making decisions, therefore error in judgement is possible.
