PROBLEMS OF POLICY EVALUATION - PUBLIC POLICY

There are a number of obstacles to a successful conduct of policy evaluation. These are as follows:

(i) Uncertainty over Policy Goals
One of the problems encountered in the process of policy evaluation is the lack of clarity or diverse nature of the goals of a policy. This is a serious problem because it may make it difficult to determine the extent to which they have been attained.
(ii) Causality
Another problem of policy evaluation is that of determining that changes in real life conditions emanate from a certain policy action(s). In other words, establishing a relationship between a policy and its impact or consequences. For instance, can reduction in crime rate be directly linked to government poverty eradication programme?
(iii) Diffuse Policy Impact
Every public policy usually targets a certain group. Yet, the fact remains that a certain policy action may affect groups other than those which they are specifically directed. For example, a welfare programme targeted at the poor may also affect other well to do members of the society.

(iv) Difficulties in Acquiring Data
Dearth and sometimes non-availability of data may hamper policy evaluation. This is usually the case in Nigeria, where relevant data are sometimes unavailable. This poses a serious problem to a policy evaluator who has no data to work with.
 
(v) Official Resistance
Policy evaluation often results to indictment of certain government officials. Agency or program officials are, therefore, bound to resist policy evaluation if they suspect or fear that it will yield unfavourable results. They may discourage or disparage evaluation studies or effuse to provide relevant data to evaluators, or keep incomplete records.
Share on Google Plus

Declaimer - Unknown

The publications and/or documents on this website are provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any of these sample documents is subjected to your own decision NB: Join our Social Media Network on Google Plus | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

READ RECENT UPDATES HERE