UTP » Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Official Response: Public Policy and Administration

Chapter Summary Self-Study Questions Something to Consider Key Terms Resources

CHAPTER SUMMARY

This chapter on the official response to the delivery of inputs to the state begins with considerations about the degree of control or chaos in the making of public policy. Two competing theories have stressed, on the one hand, a rational cost-benefit analysis as the ideal mode of public decision making and, on the other hand, an incremental approach that moves in small steps away from the status quo to something new. This dichotomy is a classic example of an analytic distinction that breaks down in practice.

The chapter continues by examining the role of various actors in the stages of the policy-making cycle. Again, the notion that there is a “cycle” is somewhat artificial, a device that allows us to frame the discussion of policy decisions, but is belied by the actual practice of policy-making in individual cases.

Although most policy appears to be made in response to specific concerns that fall within the remit of a specific ministry—what is known as vertical policy-making—there are many additional issues that require a horizontal approach, something that is more difficult and challenging. This distinction is explored at greater length.

The role of the bureaucracy and of a professional public service in policy-making and policy delivery are also examined.

SELF-STUDY QUESTIONS

Multiple Choice

(Answer key below)

1. Which of the following describes the stage of the policy process in which problems are identified for action?

a. Implementation
b. Policy formulation
c. Agenda formulation
d. None of the above

2. Which of the following terms applies to the group of actors in a policy community that is outside of government and affected by policy?

a. The policy-dependent community
b. Policy public
c. Attentive public
d. None of the above

3. Which of the following can impact a government’s ability to enact policy?

a. The state of the economy
b. The degree of public support for the policy
c. The stage of the electoral cycle
d. All of the above

4. Which of the following is a common feature of the bureaucracy?

a. Egalitarian organization
b. Action governed by impartially applied rules
c. The absence of records and documentation
d. All of the above

5. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the professional public service?

a. Entrance and promotion based on arbitrary criteria and personal connection
b. Political neutrality
c. Security of tenure
d. All of the above

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Short Answer

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SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

1. Consider the hypothesis that no one is in charge of the policy process in a liberal democracy.

2. Why is it that the most visible part of the decision-making process—the legislative process—seems often to be a formality, while those processes in which the most crucial decisions are made—within the bureaucracy and in the cabinet and central agencies—are mostly invisible to the general public? Does this have any implications for democracy? Are there ways to make it otherwise?

3. Do people get the government they deserve?

KEY TERMS

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RESOURCES

Chapter References

Atkinson, Michael, and William Coleman. “Strong States and Weak States: Sectoral Policy Networks in Advanced Capitalist Societies.” British Journal of Politics. 19.1 (1989): 47–67. Get Abstract

Campbell, Robert M., and Leslie A. Pal. The Real Worlds of Canadian Politics: Cases in Process and Policy. 3rd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2004.

Cobb, Roger, Jennie Keith-Ross, and Marc Howard Ross. “Agenda Building as a Comparative Political Process.” American Political Science Review. 70.1 (March 1976): 126–138. Electronic Copy

Coleman, William, and Grace Skogstad. Policy Communities and Public Policy in Canada: A Structural Approach. Mississauga, ON: Copp Clark Pitman, 1990.

Doern, G. Bruce, and Richard W. Phidd. Canadian Public Policy: Ideas, Structure, Process. 2nd ed. Toronto: Nelson, 1992.

Etzioni, Amitai. “Mixed Scanning: A ‘Third’ Approach to Decision-Making.” Public Administration Review. 27.5 (December 1967): 385–392. Electronic Copy

Harrop, Martin, ed. 1992. Power and Politics in Liberal Democracies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lindblom, Charles. “The Science of ‘Muddling Through.’” Public Administration Review. 19.2 (Spring, 1959): 79–88. Electronic Copy

_______ . “Still Muddling, Not Yet Through.” Public Administration Review. 39.6 (Nov.-Dec., 1979): 517–526. Electronic Copy

OECD, Government at a Glance. Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development (2011). Electronic Copy

Pal, Leslie A. Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Toronto: Nelson. 1992.

Pross, A. Paul. Group Politics and Public Policy. 2nd ed. Toronto: Oxford University Press. 1992.

Roy, Jeffrey. “Politicians and the Public: Bridging the Great Divide.” Policy Options 32.9 (October 2011): 53–57. Electronic Copy

Skogstad, Grace. “Policy Networks and Policy Communities: Conceptual Evolution and Governing Realities.” The Comparative Turn in Canadian Political Science. Ed. Linda A. White, Richard Simeon, Rob Vipond, and Jennifer Waller. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2008. 205–220. Electronic copy of first draft

Online Resources

Read Policy-Making in the 21st Century: New Challenges for Canada (a presentation by the Clerk of the Privy Council)

Watch The Policymaking Process: Part 1

Watch Public Policy and the Power of Networks (a lecture by economist Paul Ormerod)

Watch What is Public Policy? (a presentation by ONE Massachusetts/Public Policy Institute)

Watch Three Rules of Lobbying (a presentation by ONE Massachusetts/Public Policy Institute)