1.3. Characteristics of Public Policy Formulation

♤ Complex: Policy making involves many components which are interconnected by communication and feedback loops.

♤ Dynamic: It is a continuous process that requires regular input of resources and motivation. It also changes with time.

♤ Comprises of various components: Public policy formulation involves a great variety of substructures. The identity of these substructures and the degree of their involvement in policy making, vary because of different issues, circumstances and societal values.

♤ Lays down guidelines: Public policy, in most cases, lays down general directive on the main lines of action to be followed.

♤ Results in action: The public policy creates apparatus and environment for action.

♤ Best use of possible means: Public policy making aims at achieving the maximum net benefit. Benefits and costs take in part the form of realized values and impaired values.

♤ Futuristic: Policy making is directed at the future. This is one of its most important characteristics since it introduces the ever-present elements of uncertainty and doubtful prediction.

♤ Public Interest: A larger public interest guides the policy making strategy.

♤ Wide consultation: Industrial workers, voters, intellectuals, legislators, bureaucrats, political parties, political executives, judiciary are the various organs that participate in public policy making and can influence the policy process to a great extent.