The Policy Process: Policy networks and coordination

Introduction Policy networks consist of a variety of actors who all have their own goals and strategies but who are also dependent on each other to achieve the desire policy outcomes. At the heart of network analysis is the power-dependency framework because no one organisation has the power to deliver alone. Hierarchical ‘top-down’ policy making does not work in networks because they tend not to have a ‘top’. Basically, who holds power is at the centre of this topic.

Introduction “Policy networks are a way of analysing how, in an era where the policy arena is portrayed as being increasingly complex and diverse, government interacts with civil society, especially interest groups which are constantly voicing their own sectional demands” (Richards & Smith, 2002:21)

The Theory “UK policy network literature is confusing, contradictory, over-theorised and under-tested” Gains, 2003 Strengths – highlights power dependencies which result from resource exchanges; highlights importance of network analysis in policy implementation Weaknesses – comes in for considerable criticism as an approach; lacks rigorous empirical testing – usually single case studies as opposed to many Basic theory networks work along a continuum dependent on its membership; level of integration; resources exchanged; consequent power dependency Smith suggests various ways to distinguish between different policy networks. The first distinction is based on the theory that policy networks can be arranged along a continuum from a policy community to an issue network. At the policy community end one would find networks that were well defined, with formal membership and frequent interaction among the members. At the issue network end of the continuum, on the other hand, one would find a large and loosely defined network of various people, with fluctuating levels of activity and interaction. Ask yurself is it possible to meausre the influence of actors within policy communities and so on….

The Rhodes Model Type of Network Policy Community Professional Network Intergovernmental Network Producer Network Issue Network Strongest Characteristics Policy Community – stable, highly restricted membership, vertical interdependence, limited horizontal articulation. Largely made up of Whitehall actors, and key advisors. Professional Network – Stable, highly restricted memebrship, vertical interdependence, limited horizontal articulation, serves interests of profession Intergovernmental Network – Limited membership, limited vertical interdependence, extensive horizontal articulation Producer Network – Fluctuating membership, limited vertical interdependence, serves interests of producer Issue Network – unstable, large number of members, limited vertical interdependence What is the value of such a typology? The distribution and types of resources within a network EXPLAIN the relative power of actors in relation to one another Note that most industrial, agricultural and environmental policy depends on private sector firms if it is to succeed. Most social policy depends heavily on the community sector and voluntary sector if it is to succeed. Weakest

Case Study I – GP’s 1982-89 conflict between Kenneth Clarke, Health Secretary and GP’s over contracts Part of Clarke’s overall NHS reforms Strength of opposition from GP’s, with backing from BMA meant that negotiation rather than imposition was essential Change of emphasis from cutting costs of GP service to securing better value for money Carrot and stick approach to money – more for preventative measures, less if they contract out ‘night calls’ etc

Case Study II – Police Batons Argument over whether to issue American ‘side-handled batons’. Police Federation want it for safety purpose Association of Chief Police Officers more cautious approach Home Office – neutral stance Plan to test batons in trails in 1992 Trials cancelled – LAPD and Rodney King story Scientifics test authorised under new Home S Final compromise – extendable baton….

Achieving Goals Achieving goals depends on: Whether all of the actors who possess indispensable resources are included Whether those actors who have the power to undermine the achievements of the networks goals have been included Whether there is agreement on institutional arrangements which facilitate the coordination of activities Basis of his arguments are to do with the centrality of relationships between groups/agencies and government Resources are things like: constitutional-legal, organisational, financial, political, and informational.

Class Exercise Networking among stakeholders Public policy problem in Northern Ireland – growing rate of suicides among young people. What can be done? You are a variety of different stakeholders brought together to solve this growing problem. Consider: Which stakeholder should take the lead in solving this problem? Which stakeholders are most likely to be most successful in solving this problem? What are the obstacles which have to be overcome to give this stakeholder the ability to implement it’s solution? After exercise – consider your ‘Pearls’ – personal experience, analytical reflection, and lessons Who are the stakeholders and what are there power relations to one another? Who possess indispensable resources? Who could undermine the achievements of your network goal? Does everyone agree on the institutional arrangements which will facilitate this programme? Stakeholders: Local residents group Political Representatives Local churches North and West health and Social services Young people Northern Ireland Office

Questions to Consider Is the concept of policy networks a useful tool for understanding tool for understanding policy making in Britain? How and why do networks change? How important are interpersonal, compared with institutional, links within a network? Does the existence of a network affect policy outcomes? Which interests are dominant in any network? What is the relationship between the meso level concept of policy networks and macro level theories of the state?