What Is Public Policy?
Public policy requires attention to detail in administering programs and documented goals of local, state and federal governments. The province of public policy can also extend to non-profit organizations and private sector businesses. Consider two definitions of policy from Merriam-Webster:1
2a: a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions
2b: a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body
Both definitions cover planning and courses of action that help shape decisions in service of certain goals. This captures the heart of the public policy worker, who reviews, analyzes, shapes and administers high-level plans “in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions.”