Policy Tools in Policy Design

Policy Tools in Policy Design explores the tools that are available to those who design public policy, how those tools operate, their upsides and challenges, and the trade-offs to be considered in developing policy to address critical issues on today’s policy agenda. Public policy most often comes in the form of a policy mix made up of a variety of important policy tools, including both the policy mechanisms (tools that operate in different ways such as regulation, incentive systems, or other means), and the instruments used to put those mechanisms into operation (ranging from legislation, to administrative rules, executive orders, and contracts and grants). If policy is to be effective and avoid serious adverse consequences, it is critical for those designing policies to understand the full range of tools, their strengths, their limitations, and the trade-offs among them as they go about their work. This book explores these policy tools and their uses and possible misuse. It is designed to equip students of public policy and public administration for policy work, but is also a useful resource for public service professionals in the field and academics who study policy. It is part of a necessary ongoing discussion about the tools of public policy and the task of policy design. Praise for Policy Tools in Policy Design “Phillip Cooper, one of the foremost scholars of public policy and administration, brings together his formidable knowledge as well as his practical, real world experience in this comprehensive analysis of the design and implementation of public policy. For graduate or undergraduate students, Policy Tools in Policy Design provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the ways in which public policy can most effectively be implemented. I highly recommend it.” (James Pfiffner, George Mason University) “All too often, policy makers insist on jamming the wrong tool into the wrong problem—and then wonder later why the result is such a mess. All too often, they do that because they think about what they want to do and very little about how best to get it done. In this important new book, Phillip Cooper explores the tools in government’s toolbox and provides an invaluable guide to what works where. Students, scholars, and policy makers alike will be richly rewarded by this sharp analysis about how government can best do the people’s work.” (Donald F. Kettl, University of Texas at Austin) Read more