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6.1.1 Understanding policies and the policy process Module

Although scholars have proposed many definitions for policy, the term remains a vague concept. The 5
following definition of policy expresses the broad meaning used in this training manual:

A set of interrelated decisions taken by a political actor or group of actors concerning the selection
of goals and the means of achieving them within a specified situation where these decisions should, in
principle, be within the power of these actors to achieve. – Jenkins, 1978

Policy comes in the form of rules, principles, norms and negotiated decision making procedures (Najam Abu Dhabi, UAE

2005). For purposes of this module, we consider aspects of policy that constitute decisions taken by
those with responsibility for a given decision making area; these decisions usually take the form of
statements or formal positions on an issue. Policy needs to be seen as an inherently political process,
rather than simply the instrumental execution of rational decisions.

Once declared or tacitly accepted, a policy becomes a set of rules or principles to guide individual and
organizational behaviour. Policy not only helps achieve specific goals, but also can serve as a basis for
judging performance.

Policies come in many different varieties, including:
? General or specific

? Explicit or implicit

? Reactive or proactive
? Evolutionary or revolutionary

? Independent or integrated within other policies (nested)

? Prescribed or voluntary
? Punitive or incentive

? Preventive or curative

? Strategic and opportunistic

Of course, individual policies can be anywhere within these extremes. Explicit policies are articulated and
announced clearly. Examples include: press releases, green papers, white papers, ministerial speeches,
legislative statements, regulations and laws.

In contrast, implicit policies are not as clearly stated or explained, but can be equally powerful. For example,
some countries have laws requiring that decisions about forestry be made in consultation with local
communities (usually representatives from the village). In reality, decisions in such cases often are reached

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