SOC601 Handouts by VUBuddy

Lesson 01 WHAT IS POLICY?

(Topic 001-005)

Topic 001: What is a Policy?

Policy:

A principle or a system of principles that can guide action or lower level (day-to-day) decisionmaking system (usually more than a few rules) usually not a short term higher level than commands experienced by individuals & families. They do not take part in making of policies

What are ‗policies‘? In one way they can be seen as aims or goals, or statements of what ought to happen. As goals, intentions and ideas, policies can be found in the form of official government policy (legislation, or the guidelines that govern how laws should be put into operation). The ideas and proposals put forward in manifestos and glossy leaflets by the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and other political parties are examples of policies as broad ideas and stirring goals. Outside government, a company‘s or an organization‘s statement of policy on something – for instance, an equal opportunity policy – is also an example of policy expressing ideas about what ought to happen.

Policies are everywhere, here are few examples:

IMF or government economic policies Government‘s new policies: Urdu medium of instruction Walmart‘s policy: lower profit margins, diversity Karachi Electric (KE)‘s policy of no electricity to areas where payments are low Institute of Chartered Accountant of Pakistan: CA policies/regulations College of Physicians and Surgeons: MCPS & FCPS

Topic 002: Why We Need Plans And Policies?

Plans, strategies & policies

Not interchangeable but different A policy which frames the principles A strategy devised according to the policy A detailed plan to achieve the strategy

Why we need policies

Long term objectives To achieve them, thousands of people have to work for years Leadership cannot make all decisions Leadership may change, objectives and policies may not Example: Pakistan‘s foreign policy Kashmir, India, China, CPEC, US, etc.

Topic 003: Policy Cycle

Process through which an issue becomes a policy and is implemented and Evaluated Policy

Double the value of company in five years Strategy

Strategies: Setup a new plant, come up with a new product Plan

Plans: decide the locations, buy land, etc.

Policy

Winning the next election. Main campaign Strategy

Strategies: for northern Punjab, Southern KP, etc. Plan

Plans: for each constituency

Agenda setting

Emerging issues Foresight Based on your policies

Policy formulation

Data sources and collection Debates and discussion Coming up with options

Policy adoption

Pros and cons of options Selection of one or two options

Policy implementation

Making of strategies Making plans Actions

Evaluation

Results: outputs and outcomes Feedback Evaluating efficiency & effectiveness

Topic 004: Public Policies, Business Policies and Individual Plans

Public policies

Not all polices are public policies Public policies are made by governments Local, provincial and federal