The role of the politician and the civil servant in the policy process : a Department of Education case study

Cleal, Thomasina M. (1985) The role of the politician and the civil servant in the policy process : a Department of Education case study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze and describe the role of the politician and the civil servant in the policy process. The case study approach was utilized by the researcher and focused on the amendment to Section 12a of “The Schools’ Act, 1968.” Particular attention was paid to the decision-making process as it applied to influentials in a governmental Department of Education. -- Data were collected during a semi-structured interview. The questionnaire was an adaptation of an approach used by Stapleton in a 1975 study concerning the politics of educational innovations. Information was also obtained from copies of correspondence and other documentation. -- Findings and conclusions from the study indicate that policy making in the Department of Education adhered to a policy process. However, formal communication in the organization was restricted to Senior and Administrative Officials. Input into the policy from external interest groups was present, but decision-makers were identified as top level civil servants. -- Recommendations for action included formalized communication methods for Professional Staff and external interest groups. The implementation of a structure evaluation process concerning policy was also recommended. With respect for further study, the researcher recommended the study of interest group involvement in governmental policy development, a comparison of the roles of politicians and civil servants in various governmental departments in the policy process, and the development of policy as it adheres to particular models

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