CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Policy is defined in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. Policy can also be defined as making decisions that reflect values and allocating resources based on those values. Thus, policy represents a particular political, ethical, or programmatic viewpoint. Governmental policy reflects theoretical or experiential assumptions about what is required to resolve a particular issue or problem (Obi, 2001). At the federal and state levels, governmental policy is reflected in multiple venues: The federal and state constitutions set the general framework, as interpreted in specific instances through court decisions. The chief executive’s agendais presented through speeches, press releases, “State of the State” and budget messages to the legislature, executive orders, and instructions to department heads. Legislative policyis expressed in speeches and press releases by the leadership and formulated in policy and appropriation bills. It is not generally recognized that budgets, expressed in appropriation acts and taxes, are critical statements of social policy. Budgets distribute resources and determine what government can and cannot do. They may or may not provide stable resources for governmental services (Bacdon, 2004). Policy can also be found in the determinations and decisions of state department heads and middle management. Their decisions or actions determine how legislative policy and broad governmental mandates are actually translated into services. Policy is reflected in strategic plans and policy memoranda (EKSG, 2014).
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