, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
Question 1
1. Define policy and public policy, and explain two key differences between them.
Policy refers to a series of related decisions made by authorities, aiming to address societal needs or
achieve specific goals. It involves strategic choices on how resources should be allocated and actions
taken by institutions to fulfill public needs. Van der Waldt and Du Toit (1998:208) define policy as a
sequence of decisions made by public managers and political officials to convert community needs
into objectives pursued by public institutions. In contrast, public policy specifically refers to
decisions made by government authorities that are designed to benefit the public or address societal
issues. It is a form of policy directed by governmental bodies and is aimed at public welfare.
Hanekom (1987:7) emphasizes that public policy is a framework for action that aligns government
activities with societal goals and resource allocation.
Two key differences between policy and public policy include:
Scope and Applicability: Policy can be applied to any organization or institution, including
both public and private entities, while public policy is specifically concerned with the actions
and decisions made by government entities aimed at public welfare (Fox, Schwella & Wissink,
1991:27).
Authority: Policy decisions may be made by private managers or public officials, but public
policy is exclusively formulated by elected government officials or politicians, often influenced
by public demands and priorities (Hanekom, 1987:7; Dye, 1998:3).
Question 1
1. Define policy and public policy, and explain two key differences between them.
Policy refers to a series of related decisions made by authorities, aiming to address societal needs or
achieve specific goals. It involves strategic choices on how resources should be allocated and actions
taken by institutions to fulfill public needs. Van der Waldt and Du Toit (1998:208) define policy as a
sequence of decisions made by public managers and political officials to convert community needs
into objectives pursued by public institutions. In contrast, public policy specifically refers to
decisions made by government authorities that are designed to benefit the public or address societal
issues. It is a form of policy directed by governmental bodies and is aimed at public welfare.
Hanekom (1987:7) emphasizes that public policy is a framework for action that aligns government
activities with societal goals and resource allocation.
Two key differences between policy and public policy include:
Scope and Applicability: Policy can be applied to any organization or institution, including
both public and private entities, while public policy is specifically concerned with the actions
and decisions made by government entities aimed at public welfare (Fox, Schwella & Wissink,
1991:27).
Authority: Policy decisions may be made by private managers or public officials, but public
policy is exclusively formulated by elected government officials or politicians, often influenced
by public demands and priorities (Hanekom, 1987:7; Dye, 1998:3).
