Policy analysis is an important area in the study of
public policy. As will be show in the subsequent discussions, it has moved from
proposition to reality and has come to occupy a central place in official
policy thinking the rapid acceptance of the legitimacy of policy analysis is
one of the most remarkable developments in modern public affairs (Ikelegbe,
1977). So what is policy analysis?
Although the activities identified
with policy analysis have been associated with public policy making throughout
the history of governance, but the formal association of analysis with public
decision-making is relatively recent.
The theoretical roots of policy analysis can be remotely traced to an introductory essay by Lasswell (1951:3) where he expressed the view that:
The theoretical roots of policy analysis can be remotely traced to an introductory essay by Lasswell (1951:3) where he expressed the view that:
A policy or
orientation has been developing that cut across the existing specialization.
The orientation is two fold. In part, it is directed toward the policy process,
and in part toward the intelligence needs of policy. The first task, which is
the development of a science of policy forming and execution, uses the methods
of social and psychological inquiry. The second task, which is the improving of
the content of the information, and the interpretations available to policy
makers, typically goes outside the boundaries of social science and psychology.
But major impetus for the development of policy analysis was provided by Dror (1967:197-203) when he expressed the need for the development of a new professional skill called policy analysis to be concerned with the application of analytical skills to the solution of public problems. Dror made three major points:
1. Systems analysis with its classical emphasis on quantitative tools and an economic view of the world could be of only limited utility in government.
2. Policy analysis should combine proven methods of systems analysis with qualitative methods and full awareness of the special characteristics of political phenomena. And
3. Policy analysis should be institutionalized as a new professional role in government without pre-empting the functions of politicians and line executives.
In May 1974, the National Association of Schools of Public affairs and Administration (NASPAA), in issuing its first guidelines for members schools, identified policy analysis as one of five major subject areas which should be included in all public affairs programs.
So policy analysis has over the years moved from proposition to reality, from a “fringe” idea to a central place in official public administration thinking.
Since the 1970s, many institutes and departments have been established for public policy analysis in many countries of the world, particularly, in the United States and Canada.
In Nigeria, for instance, the institute of policy studies has been established at the University of Calabar, and the University of Jos offers a Masters programme in Policy Analysis.
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