""This third edition of Hal Colebatch's book, "Policy," is a
welcome addition to the policy literature. Through as series of
interrelated questions--such as Why worry about policy? What is it
for? What does it look like on the ground? and How do we do
it?--Colebatch interestingly unravels and elaborates on the key
issues, both practical and theoretical, that constitute the field
of policy studies. In a very succinct and highly readable style,
the nine chapters weave together discussions of traditional models
and approaches (e.g., process models, rationality, and
incrementalism) with a presentation of newer emphases (e.g., social
constructivism, discourse, and his own innovative concept of
''policy work''). He does it in ways that are accessible to the
beginning university student, but that are, at the same time,
helpful to the experienced practitioner. As such, the book is
highly recommendable."
Professor Frank Fischer, Rutgers University, USA
"This 3rd edition, like the previous ones, offers students an
excellent guided tour of the field of policy studies. The major
strands of thinking and research are introduced as answers to a set
of straightforward, commonsense questions, written in highly
accessible, non-technical, easy to grasp prose.
Yet, this edition has more to offer. Colebatch systematically
reflects on the paradigmatic struggles over the meanings of
'policy' - as problem solving and authoritative choice in the
corridors of power, as bargaining and negotiation in multilayered
governance networks, and as political sense-making through
collective puzzling. Asking how 'policy' works in practice, the
author demonstrates the myriad ways in which these meanings
permeate and colour each other. In doing so, Colebatch restores
intellectual unity to a field that appears fragmented to many
academic observers and practitioners."
Professor Robert Hoppe, University of Twente, The Netherlands
"This third edition of Hal Colebatch's volume, Policy, is a very
accessible book that has the ability to meet the needs of a broad
range of readers. The book provides a range of examples of the
illusive world of policy; these examples travel the globe and
allows the work to move beyond the original Australian focus in the
first edition. The nine questions that serve to organize the volume
are useful and provide access to the ever-growing literature in the
policy field."
Dr Beryl A. Radin, School of Public Affairs, American University,
USA
"This book is essential reading for all students of public
policy and policy analysis. It is pleasure to read and covers a
great deal of important material in a comprehensive and informed
manner. I warmly welcome this new edition."
Professor Wayne Parsons, University of London, UK "
This new edition of a highly successful text provides an even
sharper critical analysis than before of the place of policy in the
way we are governed.
It is a book about policy - not about what governments do
('public policy') or about particular fields of policy (such as
'health policy' or 'education policy') but about policy as a
concept - an idea which makes sense of the way in which we are
governed, and which we can use to be more effective participants in
this governing.
"Policy" is key reading for the student studying the subject,
the public official or community activist engaged in making policy,
and the interested member of the public who wants to know where
policy comes from, and why it matters.
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