Comparing Kraft And Furlong's Four Criteria Of Public Policy

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According to Kraft and Furlong (2013), “public policy is a course of government action or inaction in response to public problems. It is associated with formally approved policy goals and means, as well as the regulations and practices of agencies that implement programs” (p. 2). Public policies are all around us. Nevertheless, it is impossible for an organization or business to operate without mixing with public policies. To access the merit or value of government policies and programs as well as proposed policy alternatives, citizens, analysts, and policymakers need to consider four criteria: effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and political feasibility (Kraft and Furlong, 2013, p.31). Kraft and Furlong (2013) explain that “effectiveness refers to whether a current policy or program or one that is being considered is likely to work, efficiency refers to what a policy or policy proposal costs in relation to its expected benefits to society, equity refers to the consideration of what constitutes a fair or equitable policy choice, and political feasibility concerns how government officials and other policy actors appraise …show more content…

For examples, policies related to public assistance programs, affordable health care, human rights, educational, employment, housing are just a few issues whose primary focus should be equity. Perhaps one of the most discussed current policy equity is the U.S. healthcare system. Significantly, there are many underlying issues in looking at the disadvantaged in healthcare equity. Because of the great disadvantages in the healthcare system, policymakers should give an extra effort in making sure that healthcare is an equity public policy. “Affordable health care for all” might require equal access to and availability of health care for all, regardless of the ability to pay for the care” (Musgrave, 2006, p,

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