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International Public Policy and Comparative Education Summer School University of Bristol Wednesday 5 July 2006 Policy Making in Britain Dr Paul Burton School for Policy Studies
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Outline Theories of policy making –Stages –Black boxes –Models of change Actors and interests Power and implementation Preparation of questions: Q & A Summary and conclusions
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What is policy? Product or process? Tangible or intangible? Must it inform action, what if it is ignored? Understanding unintended consequences
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Theory of stages Logical sequence of actions Rational pursuit of goals Simple and linear Simple and cyclical Complex and cyclical
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Theory of black boxes Inputs, processor, outputs and outcomes Processor is mysterious Environment provides context and stimuli
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Theories of change How and why does policy change over time? –Battle of ideas –Balance of power –Response to external forces Advocacy coalitions
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Actors and interests Politicians and elected representatives Civil servants, bureaucrats and administrators Lobbyists and pressure groups Political parties Voluntary organisations and charities Media The people
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Policy and implementation What happens after policy is made? –Is it acted upon? –Is it ignored? –Is it modified?
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Policy and implementation How do we understand implementation? –Top down –Bottom up –Negotiation in networks
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Conditions for effective implementation Clear policy Agreement from all parties (actors) Clear implementation plan (actions) Sufficient resources Sufficient time Commitment to act: not a symbolic policy
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Power and implementation Implementation as negotiation Negotiation involves power How do we understand power? –A finite thing –A relationship –The power of ideas
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Implementation and discretion Policy cannot cover every eventuality What should be done when there is a policy gap? What should be done if the policy does not seem relevant? Exercise discretion! Discretion: good or bad?
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Questions and answers In four groups (30 minutes): –Reflect on what I have said about policy making in the UK –Think about how policy is made in Taiwan –Prepare some questions for me about the nature of policy making in Britain
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Summary and Conclusions Policy is a slippery concept Understanding policy making is not easy Be prepared for complexity We often use models and metaphors to help our understanding Distinguish normative and positive: ought and is Remember: context is crucial
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