Advantages of Policy Dialogue
What is the advantage of involving those who will be affected by a decision in the decision making process? At least two value added gains: relevance and effective communication. You either facilitate their buy-in or understand the rational behind any potential resistance. Knowledge of the policy/decision, understanding of the basic motivations of the decision/policy can lead to adequate implementation and more effective advocacy.
Policy dialogue can create the necessary trust that constitutes the base of all solid partnership. The private sector as an organized entity can have the responsible participation that is needed to fuel that partnership. All policy or decision relating to their role should take into consideration, whenever possible, their feedback and comments. This policy/decision should be jointly monitored and evaluated on a regular base.
Pape Momar Sow, Guest Commentator
USAID
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A big challenge for educational providers is to understand government policy. Governments sometimes say: “All these educational companies want only one thing – to maximise their profits at the expense of our people. They do not understand the national strategy and our emphasis on equitable access to education for the poor and those in rural areas”. Very often the private sector is excluded from policy discussions, which would help it to understand what government is thinking. Even when it is included, the motives of the founders do not always sit easily with government policies. Public Private Partnerships cost money, but they may be the best way of committing the private sector to deliver education that is socially progressive and equitable.
Posted by: John Fielden | Nov 13, 2008 9:43:43 AM