The Article is written by R M Mthethwa published in the African Journal of Public Affairs in 2012
Whenever a policy is formulated, the next step is the implementation or execution of that policy. This step of implementation faces a range of challenges.
Implementation of policy is crucial because if policy is not implemented effectively, it will not produce the results or output for which it was formulated. According to the author, the first and most important step that influences the execution of policy is the “policy itself.” The goals and objectives of the policy should be fixed in the formulation process. Then the involvement of stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation is also necessary, where policy makers and the democratic public engage and judge the costs and benefits of policy with their interests, and it’s also necessary to minimize the political pressure on running government.
Planning and resource mobilization are also important factors. A valid and strong strategy should be followed, where the responsibilities and roles are fixed for different skilled individuals within a framework. When a strategy is determined, they need to be financially strong to implement the policy effectively, like a strong budget, material resources, and skilled human. If a strong strategy and resources are not determined, the policy may fail to be implemented effectively.
Policy implantation also depends on the country’s political system, either its authoritarian or democratic government. The social and economic factors also influence the formulation and implementation of policy where it takes place. So, policymakers should plan accordingly.
The role of leadership is necessary in both the formulation and implementation of policy to ensure strategy, resource allocation, and accountability. Leadership may shift in the process of formulation and implementation to different individuals and institutions.
The last but not least factor, according to the author, is feedback. It is something like giving feedback on progress, giving encouragement to improve overall performance, and giving motivation to do more so. It will also help to make the policy effective.
No doubt, the author has covered all the factors and aspects that influence the policy to be implemented effectively, but there are many other barriers that also have a direct or indirect influence on the formation and implementation of policy, like the factor of corruption in resources and duties, or responsibilities too, and favoritism, like giving responsibilities and duties to unskilled individuals on the basis of favoritism. However, legal and constitutional issues, inaccurate information, and insufficient data are also the major factors that influence the formation and implementation of policy.
In conclusion, there are various factors, including the engagement of stakeholders, strategy or planning, active leadership, resources, and effective feedback. If policymakers and implementers keep these factors these factors in mind and address them, the policy will become effective and be successfully implemented; otherwise, it will fail just like thousands of other policies.
The writer is a student of “BS International Relations” at “International Islamic University Islamabad” and a member of PYDIR.