How do you create effective public policies?

You create effective public policies by defining exactly what you wish to address with said policy to begin with "Define the problem". Then you gather and analyse the data (including the political economy) to support your policy. Based on an evidence based approach, you formulate the policy and organize consultations to adjust according to the feedback, when and where relevant. Following this and after the policy adoption, you set the plan for the policy implementation. The subsequent and continuous work resides in policy monitoring and evaluation because, again adjustments may (probably will) be needed for impact improvement. The whole process is an iterative approach where 'mistakes' are important for recalibration.

1of3 In order 2 create effective Public Policies; U "have 2": 1. Get a Degree &/or Educate Yourself in Public Policy Analysis, Social Policy Analysis, Economics, Finance, Statistics, Econometrics, Communications, Computer Science, etc. 2. Have a Code of Morals, Ethics, & Faith THAT U R willing 2 live & die by... as well as sacrifice 4! 3. Understand "The People in Power" that U "will" B trying 2 work with & guide & advise. Understand Their biased "political" leanings/affiliations/views. Understand how They view "The Others"/Those "Not of Their Kind." Figure out "Who They Love." Figure out "What They Love." Figure out Their desires, & wants, & needs, & dreams. Figure out IF They believe in/have faith in ANYONE; besides THEMSELVES.

To create effective public policies, it's important to be passionate about addressing societal issues and making a positive impact. This passion can drive your motivation to thoroughly research and understand the problem at hand, as well as the potential solutions. It's essential to approach policy development with empathy and a genuine desire to improve people's lives.

Identifying the question based on specific research questions, highlighting the negative impacts, and the rationale for government intervention based on whether the problem can be resolved by itself or requires such intervention. It is also beneficial to have data to support the problem statement.

Engaging with diverse stakeholders allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the issue from different perspectives. Actively listening to their experiences, concerns, and ideas can help shape policies that are inclusive, fair, and responsive to the needs of various communities. Building relationships with stakeholders fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and enhances the chances of successful policy implementation.

An evaluation of policy alternatives should always measure two parameters – cost and outcome (effect). Simply measuring the costs of policy alternative will not tell us whether it is cost effective. A cheap alternative may represent poor value for money if it has little effect on the outcome.

A SWOT analysis is necessary for each of the alternatives to make a comparison between the threats and weakneses in them. A Force Field Analysis can be helpful to determine the restraining factors for each alternative by using a rating system for the restraining factors. This can reduce the chances of a failure.

When evaluating policy options, consider the potential real-world impacts they may have on individuals and communities. Strive for policies that promote equity, social justice, and sustainable development. Assessing the long-term consequences, both intended and unintended, helps ensure that policies are not just quick fixes but rather have a lasting positive effect.

The perspective when evaluating policy alternatives is very important. The perspective is the viewpoint adopted when deciding which types of costs and benefits are included in an evaluation. The most comprehensive perspective is societal, which considers all social opportunity costs connected to the various alternatives.

Options should be ranked in order of priority, effectiveness and least threats from stakeholders. A stakeholder analysis is necessary at this point.

During the implementation phase, maintaining open lines of communication is crucial. Regularly update stakeholders on progress, seek their input, and address any concerns or challenges that arise. Transparency and accountability are key to building public trust in the policy-making process. Monitoring and evaluation are essential components of effective policy development. Continuously assess the policy's outcomes, measure its impact, and gather feedback from those affected. This allows for iterative improvements and adjustments as needed, ensuring that policies remain effective and responsive to changing circumstances.

Creating the most effective public policy is possible only when we follow a bottoms up approach. A bottoms-up approach is when we look at the effects of a policy from the lens of the lowest strata or the most affected strata of the society. Taking into account what their issues are in real-time rather than assuming what they need, is the most important or basic foundation of an effective public policy implementation. For instance, if you want to install a pad dispenser, you need to know which public space will be the most accessible for most of the people in the region rather than just assuming a convenient place on their behalf.