Policies

Save

May 1, 2024 Updated May 12, 2025 19 minute read

Policies are the guiding principles, rules, and procedures designed to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters. In both organizational and governmental settings, policies serve as a framework for operations and behavior. They can be explicit, written documents or implicit, unstated understandings that shape how things are done. Essentially, policies provide a roadmap for achieving specific goals and ensuring consistency in approach.

Facebook

Copy Link

The Oxford Handbook of Public Policy

Save

A comprehensive overview of the field of public policy. Chapters cover a wide range of topics, from the policy process to policy evaluation.

American Public Policy

Save

A leading textbook on public policy. Provides a comprehensive overview of the field, with a focus on the role of government in society.

Utilization-Focused Evaluation

Save

A leading textbook on policy evaluation. Provides a comprehensive overview of the field, with a focus on the use of evaluation to improve policymaking.

A Comparative Approach to Policy Analysis

Save

A comprehensive textbook on policy analysis. Provides a rigorous foundation in the theory and practice of policymaking.

Agency Merger and Bureaucratic Redesign

Save

A comprehensive overview of public policy. Provides a solid foundation in the theory and practice of policymaking.

Public Policy Analysis

Save

A practical guide to policy design. Provides advice on how to develop policies that are effective, efficient, and equitable.

Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policies

Save

An accessible introduction to public policy. Particularly strong on the policy process.

Advanced Manufacturing

Save

A groundbreaking work on policy entrepreneurship. Explains how individuals and organizations can promote new policies and bring about change.

Getting It Done

Save

A practical guide to the use of policy tools. Provides advice on how to choose the right policy tools and how to use them effectively.

The Politics of United States Foreign Policy

Save

A concise overview of the political aspects of policymaking. Explains how power and interests shape policy outcomes.

In Pursuit: Of Happiness and Good Government

Save

A provocative critique of government policymaking. Argues that government often creates more problems than it solves.

Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

Policies

Path to Policies

Share

Reading list