Integrating a policy is a multi-dimensional aspect. In that regard, policies of executive departments can be especially difficult in terms of integration.Taking the example of the National Strategy released by the current administration in the White House, it can be stated that broad points might put some difficulties in terms of evaluation. The assessment of policy integration might be considered in the long term in that regard. A scholarly approach in assessment might be seen as a good decision in that sense. Thus, the present paper will attempt to provide a few considerations on the way policies can be assessed through scholarly research.
One of the first steps a scholar undertakes to assess policy integration would be developing a measurement tool.1 One of the approaches that can be used can be seen in applied policy research, where quantitative or qualitative methodologies can be used. Applied research can be described through several characteristics, which in the context of assessing government policies might include the following:
- Clearly set objectives.
- Short time scales, where government departments might need “answers in time to influence their policy or planning decisions”.2
- The need for generated data.
- In case of using qualitative design, linking to statistical data.
Designing an instrument for measurement several factors should be considered, one of which is determining multiple criteria for assessment. It is recommended that a scholar starts with the political considerations when choosing or designing an instrument of assessment. Accordingly, channels of feedback should be established as means through which data will be collected for assessment. Policy integration usually involves an emerging issue, where the example of the national strategy outlined previously an emergent issue can be seen through a conducted attack, an ongoing war, etc. The criteria to be used can be seen through the objectives of the policy and the current outcomes of integration. Additionally, the proposed criteria might include the resources required, e.g. costs benefit analysis, targeting, political risks, etc.
Another criterion that can be measured and which is related to evaluating effective outcomes can be seen through complementarities and interdependencies between various departments connected through the integration. The latter is specifically important in the case of measuring coherence between various departments and the distribution of responsibilities; “a lack of effective coordination between sectors and across the various levels of government is therefore one of the major challenges”.3
One of the main aspects for measuring effectiveness is the establishment of criteria and expected outcomes at the stage of designing the policy. Accordingly, the effectiveness should be measured at all levels. The design of a policy can be seen as an integrated process, in which causation, instrumentation, and evaluation are major parts of it. 4 In general, it can be concluded that the evaluation of a policy is a part which is not less important than its design and accordingly, should be focused on simultaneously.
References
Eliadis, F. Pearl, Margaret M. Hill, and Michael Howlett. Designing Government : From Instruments to Governance. Montreal ; Ithaca, N.Y.: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2005.
Huberman, A. M., and Matthew B. Miles. The Qualitative Researcher’s Companion. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2002.
OECD, “Improving Policy Coherence and Integration for Sustainable Development a Checklist”.
Footnotes
- F. Pearl Eliadis, Margaret M. Hill, and Michael Howlett, Designing Government : From Instruments to Governance (Montreal ; Ithaca, N.Y.: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2005).
- A. M. Huberman and Matthew B. Miles, The Qualitative Researcher’s Companion (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2002).
- OECD, “Improving Policy Coherence and Integration for Sustainable Development a Checklist”.
- Eliadis, Hill, and Howlett.