The sequence of policy formulation is grouped into
five stages. The first stage is the decision about how to decide. The concern
is on the mechanisms, procedures, criteria and political actors involved in
public policy process. This stage considers those legible to participate in
policy formulation, either civil servants or ministers, as well as who should
carry out the policies when formulated, either commissions or task forces.
The second stage is definition and forecasting,
which allows policy makers to review, recast, and re-interpret a policy. This
is necessary because those who formulate policies may view the problem very
differently from those who raised the issue in the first place.
Definition and forecasting in policy formulation mainly look beyond adopting the demands of
the concerned interest but consider the consequences and implications of such
policy alternatives in areas of policy applications and policy targets.
Forecasting and definition may lead to a total rejection of an adopted policy
proposal especially when the consequences are of a great threat capable of
jeopardizing the public interest.
The third
stage is setting objectives and priorities. Despite the impact of public
opinion as molded by political parties, mass media and other interest groups in
influencing goal setting, the policy makers may redefine objectives and
priorities in accordance with government interest.
The setting of policy
objectives is always aimed at ensuring that other interests within the policy
are considered and accommodated. When this is affected in policy formulation,
the priorities of the policy initiators are always reframed. This is very
common when policy proposals flow from the bottom to top.
The fourth
stage is the analysis and review of policy options. The activities of this
stage lead to rational choice of policy option. Here, the authority exerts its
influence by making authoritative decisions that see to policy adoption.
The fifth stage is the legislative action. It is
aimed at according the formulated policy the needed authorization and support. Policy
formulated at legitimizing stage moves policy proposal in the form of a draft
bill to legislative bodies or councils for adoption, ratification and
enactment. The legislative bodies are the final area of policy influence
activity where final attempts are made by varying interest to shape the content
of the policy.
The adoption of a policy proposal by a legislative body is
associated for its implementation. It is important to note that the legitimization
stage of public policy proposal is very important because it enables it enables
those interested in a particular policy to come and make their inputs before
the legislative committees. Legislative committees usually organize public
hearing in respect of various policy issues.
Generally speaking, policy
formulation, unlike policy initiation, is the job of the insiders, such as
government officials, key advisers, politicians and consulted groups.
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