Policy Creation vs. Policy Theories

Attribute	Policy Creation	Policy Theories
Definition	The process of formulating and implementing policies	Systematic study of the determinants and effects of public policies
Focus	Implementation and execution of policies	Understanding the underlying principles and factors influencing policies
Approach	Practical and hands-on approach	Theoretical and analytical approach
Goal	To address societal issues and achieve desired outcomes	To explain and predict policy outcomes
Methods	Research, analysis, consultation, and decision-making	Empirical research, modeling, and theoretical frameworks

Introduction

Policy creation and policy theories are two essential components of the field of public policy. While policy creation involves the actual process of developing and implementing policies, policy theories provide a framework for understanding the underlying principles and factors that influence policy decisions. In this article, we will compare the attributes of policy creation and policy theories to highlight their differences and similarities.

Policy Creation

Policy creation refers to the process of formulating, implementing, and evaluating policies to address specific issues or problems within a society. This process typically involves identifying a problem, conducting research to understand its causes and potential solutions, developing policy options, and ultimately implementing the chosen policy. Policy creation is often carried out by government agencies, legislative bodies, or other organizations responsible for making decisions that affect the public.

• Identifying a problem
• Conducting research
• Developing policy options
• Implementing the chosen policy
• Evaluating the policy's effectiveness

Policy Theories

Policy theories, on the other hand, are frameworks that help policymakers and researchers understand the factors that influence policy decisions and outcomes. These theories provide insights into the political, economic, social, and institutional dynamics that shape the policy process. By studying policy theories, policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated, and how they impact society.

• Institutionalism
• Public choice theory
• Advocacy coalition framework
• Policy diffusion theory
• Policy feedback theory

Comparison

While policy creation and policy theories are distinct concepts, they are closely related and often intersect in practice. Policy creation relies on the insights provided by policy theories to inform decision-making and improve the effectiveness of policies. Policy theories, in turn, are developed based on observations and analysis of real-world policy creation processes, making them relevant and applicable to policymakers and researchers.

Policy creation is a practical, hands-on process that involves making decisions and taking action to address specific issues or problems. In contrast, policy theories are more abstract and theoretical, focusing on the underlying principles and dynamics that shape the policy process. Despite these differences, both policy creation and policy theories are essential components of the field of public policy and play a crucial role in shaping the policies that govern society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, policy creation and policy theories are two essential components of the field of public policy that work together to shape the policies that govern society. While policy creation involves the practical process of formulating, implementing, and evaluating policies, policy theories provide a theoretical framework for understanding the factors that influence policy decisions and outcomes. By comparing the attributes of policy creation and policy theories, we can gain a deeper understanding of how policies are developed and implemented, and how they impact society as a whole.