Government policy is a broad term that can be defined as the laws, enactments, and regulations produced by political systems that are intended to impact society. It includes everything from determining how many stop signs a municipality should install to the types of education programs available in a state. Policy decisions are influenced by multiple factors, including economics, culture, security, and public opinion.
Policies are the guiding framework for an institution’s decision-making and resource allocation in respect to a particular issue. They articulate an institution’s values, ethics, and responsibilities on a subject matter. They also serve as a way for staff to know what is acceptable and what is not. They help protect museums from accusations of wrongdoing and establish a high standard of conduct that all should strive for.
The purpose of policy is to address the problems and challenges that arise in the execution of a public service. These include identifying and defining the problem, researching the problem to determine solutions, and analyzing costs and benefits of those solutions. This process is a continuous cycle that may take years to complete.
Whether you are working in the field of public service or in an academic institution, you will likely encounter a variety of policy issues throughout your career. The global environment in which these issues occur is ever-changing, and the challenges that public service leaders face are numerous and diverse. These challenges range from the complexities of managing an effective public service during a time of polycrisis (the simultaneous occurrence of multiple crises) to the difficulty of meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse and underserved population.