Eight Policy capacity and recruiting expertise in public services: acquiring talent in evolving governance environments
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Evert A. Lindquist
Abstract
This chapter sets out an analytic framework for evaluating different approaches to mobilizing policy expertise. It first identifies different locations where policy analysis and work is carried out in the public service, what policy expertise is sought by policy units, and different kinds of talent. Using a sports metaphor, this chapter considers the qualities and attributes required for policy ‘teams’ to reach full potential. Three archetypical recruitment strategies available to departments and policy units are identified—in-house systems, internal policy think tanks, and consulting strategies—and appraised according to criteria for well-performing teams working in public service environments and the specific needs of policy units. Each strategy has unique benefits, costs and risks. The chapter concludes by considering contemporary governance, demographic, and technological trends, how they might affect the mobilization and recruitment strategies of governments seeking to build policy capacity, and implications for research.
Abstract
This chapter sets out an analytic framework for evaluating different approaches to mobilizing policy expertise. It first identifies different locations where policy analysis and work is carried out in the public service, what policy expertise is sought by policy units, and different kinds of talent. Using a sports metaphor, this chapter considers the qualities and attributes required for policy ‘teams’ to reach full potential. Three archetypical recruitment strategies available to departments and policy units are identified—in-house systems, internal policy think tanks, and consulting strategies—and appraised according to criteria for well-performing teams working in public service environments and the specific needs of policy units. Each strategy has unique benefits, costs and risks. The chapter concludes by considering contemporary governance, demographic, and technological trends, how they might affect the mobilization and recruitment strategies of governments seeking to build policy capacity, and implications for research.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- Editors’ introduction to the series xv
- Policy analysis in Canada: an introduction 1
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The profession of policy analysis in Canada
- The policy analysis profession in Canada 27
- The “lumpiness” thesis revisited: the venues of policy work and the distribution of analytical techniques in Canada 49
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Policy analysis at different levels of Canadian governments
- Policy analysis in the federal government: conditions and renewal initiatives in the Trudeau era 71
- Public policy in the provinces: more powering; less puzzling 99
- Policy analysis in local government 121
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Policy analysis in the executive and legislative branches of Canadian government
- Policy analysis and the central executive 147
- Policy capacity and recruiting expertise in public services: acquiring talent in evolving governance environments 165
- The diminished invisible private service: consultants and public policy in Canada 187
- Canadian legislatures, public policy and policy analysis 211
- Commissions of inquiry and policy analysis 233
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Policy analysis outside government: parties, interest groups and the media
- The policy capacity of political parties in Canada 257
- Any better ideas? Think tanks and policy analysis in Canada 275
- Policy analytical capacity and Canadian business associations 297
- Transforming governance patterns: challenges and opportunities for voluntary sector policy capacity 317
- Policy analysis and advocacy in the Canadian labour movement: when the force of argument is not enough 331
- Media and public policy 351
- From policy analysis to policy analytics 369
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Pedagogy and policy analysis in the Canadian university system
- Academics and public policy 395
- Public policy studies in North America and Europe 421
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Conclusion
- Trends and directions in Canadian policy analysis and policy advice 449
- Index 467
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- Editors’ introduction to the series xv
- Policy analysis in Canada: an introduction 1
-
The profession of policy analysis in Canada
- The policy analysis profession in Canada 27
- The “lumpiness” thesis revisited: the venues of policy work and the distribution of analytical techniques in Canada 49
-
Policy analysis at different levels of Canadian governments
- Policy analysis in the federal government: conditions and renewal initiatives in the Trudeau era 71
- Public policy in the provinces: more powering; less puzzling 99
- Policy analysis in local government 121
-
Policy analysis in the executive and legislative branches of Canadian government
- Policy analysis and the central executive 147
- Policy capacity and recruiting expertise in public services: acquiring talent in evolving governance environments 165
- The diminished invisible private service: consultants and public policy in Canada 187
- Canadian legislatures, public policy and policy analysis 211
- Commissions of inquiry and policy analysis 233
-
Policy analysis outside government: parties, interest groups and the media
- The policy capacity of political parties in Canada 257
- Any better ideas? Think tanks and policy analysis in Canada 275
- Policy analytical capacity and Canadian business associations 297
- Transforming governance patterns: challenges and opportunities for voluntary sector policy capacity 317
- Policy analysis and advocacy in the Canadian labour movement: when the force of argument is not enough 331
- Media and public policy 351
- From policy analysis to policy analytics 369
-
Pedagogy and policy analysis in the Canadian university system
- Academics and public policy 395
- Public policy studies in North America and Europe 421
-
Conclusion
- Trends and directions in Canadian policy analysis and policy advice 449
- Index 467
