Policy Implementation Prof Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Khan Policy

Policy Implementation Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Khan

Policy Implementation • Implementation process is an interactive process performed and influenced by various networks, actors, stakeholders, individuals and groups.

Policy Implementation • • Models and Approaches of Implementation Top-down approach Bottom-up approach Policy Action Model

Top-down approach • Derthick, Pressman & Wildavsky are the main advocates of this approach • Policy making as a linear process with a clear division between policy formulation & policy implementation • Policy formulation: values, goals, ought to be

Top-down approach • Implementation: technical and managerial process • Policy formulation at national or international level and implementation by managers at lower levels • Ideal model of perfect implementation

Bottom-up approach • Wetherley and Lipsky • Contrast to the Top down (linear view) of the policy process • top down model lacks effective implementation in practice

Bottom-up approach • Implementers often play an important part in policy implementation, not merely as managers of policy towards down, but as active participant in an extremely complex process that inform policy upwards too.

Bottom-up approach • This process needs to take account the interaction of bureaucrats with their clients /users/ beneficiaries at grass root level • It should be seen as much more interactive process characterized by bargaining, negotiation and conflict

Bottom-up approach • Implementers may change the way of polices implemented, are even redefine the objectives of the policy because they are closer to the problem and the local situation.

Policy Action Model • Lewis and Flynn developed a behavioral model that views implementation as action by actors which is constrained by the world outside their organizations

Policy Action Model Implementation is an interactive bargaining process taking place over time between those who are responsible for enacting public policy and those who have control of resources

Policy Action Model • More emphasis is placed on issues of power & dependence , interests, motivations & behavior than in either the top down or bottom up approaches.

Implementation Tools • Authority (fine, punishments) • Incentive

Implementation in practice • Impact of Contextual Factors upon Implementation • Political Context • Economic Context • Socio-cultural Context • Demographic Context

Implementation in practice Political Context Wars Civil wars Violent political conflicts Political instability resulting in frequent change of governments • Political energy that is needed for the effective implementation of policies • • •

Implementation in practice • E. g. population-planning program during Bhutto and Zia regime. India Indira Gandhi • Local bodies election, Motorway, Peoples program • Central local relationship (legislative control, budget) • Accountability

Implementation in practice • • • Economic Context Overall economic conditions of a country Govt priorities Less resources (Social welfare policies) Donors (local knowledge, passive, terms &conditions, flow of resources, dependence)

Socio-cultural Context • Literacy rate • Level of awareness • Cultural values (smoking, drink driving, guns and weapons)

Demographic Context • • Rapid growth in population Law & Order Urbanization Pressures (employment, housing, services, traffic, welfare sectors)