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The public policy process has four stages: identifying a problem, formulating a policy, implementing the policy change, and evaluating the result. Each step is usually followed in order, but can be repeated in a loop. The process varies depending on the policy, but generally involves problem identification, policy formulation, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. The evaluation stage is ongoing and can lead to further policy changes.
There are four typical and main stages in the public policy process:
identify a problem,
formulate a policy,
implement the policy change, e
evaluating the result.
Each step is usually followed in the order listed to ensure that the process runs correctly. In many cases, these “steps” are made into a loop, with each step repeated as the changes occur; when a policy is evaluated, for example, it can reveal new problems that need to be addressed. Broadly speaking, the public policy process can be viewed as the steps a government takes to act on behalf of the public.
While the terminology used to explain the political process may differ, each stage of the process is focused on the same overall purpose. The actual process may also vary from time to time, depending on the policy in question. Despite these differences, a look at the general steps that most governments, or government agencies, follow in most situations can provide insight into how the process generally works.
Problem identification
The first step in the public policy process is to outline the problem. This involves not only acknowledging that a problem exists, but also studying the problem and its causes in detail. This stage involves determining public awareness of the problem, deciding who will participate in solving it, and evaluating the means available to achieve a solution. The answers to such questions often help policymakers assess what, if any, policy changes are needed to address the identified problem. The agenda – which issues are addressed – can be set by the public, special interest groups, or government officials, among others.
Formulate a policy to fix the problem
Once the problem has been identified and studied, a new public policy can be formulated or developed. This step is typically characterized by discussions and debates between government officials, interest groups and individual citizens to identify potential obstacles, suggest alternative solutions and set clear goals and list the steps to be taken to achieve them. This part of the process can be difficult, and compromises will often be required before the policy can be written. Once the policy has been developed, the relevant authorities must approve it; a weaker policy may be more likely to pass, while a stronger one that addresses the issue more head-on may not have enough support to win passage.
Implementation of policy change
A new policy needs to be put in place, which typically requires determining which organizations or agencies will be responsible for implementing it. This is the third stage of the public policy process and it can be difficult if the people charged with implementing the policy are not committed to complying with it. During the policy development phase, compromises may have been made to get the policy through that those who are ultimately expected to help deliver it do not agree; as such, they are unlikely to enforce it effectively. Clear communication and coordination, as well as sufficient funding, are also needed to make this step a success.
Evaluation of the effect of the policy change
The final stage of the public policy process, known as evaluation, is typically ongoing. This step usually involves a study of how effective the new policy was at addressing the original problem, which often leads to further public policy changes. It also includes reviewing available funds and resources to ensure the policy can be maintained. Historically, this step has not always been viewed as very important, but policymakers are finding more and more ways to ensure that the tools needed for evaluation are included at every stage of the public policy process.
