PADM/ L GAM 321
STUDY UNIT 01
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Nature, role and history of public policy
Learning Objectives
- public policy and its characteristics
- difference between various policy –related concepts
- different types, instruments and levels of policy
- various phases in development of a policy analysis, post
industrial period.
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According to Anderson (2000:4), public policy is a means to solve a
problem. Hanekom (1992:7) public policy is defined as a formal
articulated objective which legislature intend to follow for a group in a
community.
Policy: a statement of intent or an action plan to transform a
perceived problem into a future solution.
Definitions of Policy ( see Cloete F., DE Coning, C. Wissink, H & Rabie, B. 2018 pg 06.)
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Why the need for policy
in SA?
Definitions of Policy ( see Cloete F., DE Coning, C. Wissink, H & Rabie, B. 2018 pg 06.)
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Need for policy
- Goods and Services
- Conflict interest
- Community
- Peaceful & prosperous
community
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Service delivery :Key Challenges (Policy Problem)
- infrastructure backlog
- skills and capacity shortage
- lack of coordination between spheres of government
- maladministration, corruption and nepotism
- ill-discipline and resilient work ethos
- measurement and performance outcomes
- community participation
- political dynamics and diverse needs
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Current state of inequality in South Africa
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Public policy entails several key characteristics that help define its nature
and impact on society.
some commonly identified characteristics of public policy:
- Goal Oriented
- Public Interest
- Authority and Legitimacy
- Decision Making
- Policy Instruments
- Implementation and evaluation
- Dynamic and Adaptive
- Stake Holders engagements
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Public policy plays a key role in shaping societies and in addressing
complex challenges. It is goal-oriented, guided by the public interest,
and formulated and implemented by legitimate authorities.
It includes the decision-making process and uses various policy
instruments with effective implementation and evaluation in place.
It is dynamic-adaptive, and constant change to solve new challenges.
Stakeholders involvement in the policy-making process is also
important to ensure inclusiveness and accountability.
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Origin of policy
Historically – policy making described as logical cycle
(Begin with problem ;developing plan ; allocation of resources; implementation by actors;
monitoring and evaluation outcomes).
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According to Roux (2002:6) policies manifest on different levels such as:
- Political party policies;
- Governmental policies, or Cabinet policies;
- Departmental policies;
- Operational or administrative policies
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The most prominent types of public policy are recognised as:
1. Distributive policy
Involve the allocation of services or benefits to particular segments of the population: individuals, groups or communities.
Some distributive policies may provide benefits to one or a group of beneficiaries.
The process involves the utilisation of public funds to support identified groups or communities.
Examples of Distributive policies include: Public education policy; economic policy; Fiscal policy; and Tax policy.
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2. Redistributive policies
Redistributive policies involve deliberate efforts by government to shift the allocation of wealth, income, property or rights among broad classes or groups of the population.
Redistributive policies are highly complex to enact, based on the fact that such policies involve the reallocation of funds, rights or power.
Examples of Redistributive policies include: graduated income tax (taxing the wealthy to allocate resources to the poor); Social Welfare policy; Social policy; Health Care policy; Civil rights policy; and Immigration policy.
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3. Regulatory policies
Regulatory policies are concerned with regulation and control of activities or behaviours;
They impose restrictions or limitations on the behaviour of individuals and or groups;
They may be concerned with the control of pollution or the regulation of transportation industries.
Examples of regulatory policies are: Consumer protection policies; Policies that regulate entry into business; National communication; Environmental Protection policy; Labour policy; Competitive regulatory policy; Fertility control policy; and Criminal justice policy.
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4. Constituent policies
Constituent policy is concerned with the setting-up or reorganisation of institutions.
Examples of a Constituent policy are: the creation of executive power entities; and legal arrangements
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Various policy- related concepts
- policy and strategy
- policy analysis
- policy studies
( see Cloete F., DE Coning, C. Wissink, H & Rabie, B. 2018 pg 05-15.)
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Types, sectors, instruments and levels of policy
Paradigm shift in relation to institutional development and development
management have shed a light on the understanding of definite policy
issues.
Types of policy are often seen in terms of the different context within
which they exist or their different characteristics.
Example: public policy; NGO type policy; private sector policy.
( see Cloete F., DE Coning, C. Wissink, H & Rabie, B. 2018 pg 16&17.)
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Types, sectors, instruments and levels of policy
Policy can be examined on the basis of different levels, example: on
different functions( political executive ; administrative level) as opposed
to different geographical levels ( national; provincial; regional/district;
local)
The practical idea of policy has to entail government action or inactive
of government. Therefore, public policy refers to that which
government choose to do or not to do (Dye 1995:5)
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Cloete F., DE Coning, C. Wissink, H & Rabie, B. 2018. Improving
Public Policy: For Good Governance. 4th edition.
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LECTURE & ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE: 2ND SEMESTER 2024
Class times: Monday, 11:00 - 12:45 - MC A5 -106
Tuesday, 16:00 - 17:45 - MC A10 –G02
Mr J. Motaung
Email: 28816803@[Link] / 064 812 1127
CONSULTATION TIME
Monday – Thursday
10:00am – 15:00 pm
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Thank you very much!
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