Many people have an intuitive sense that policy changes are necessary to keep up with, and respond to, the world around us. This is especially true as society transforms quickly, fueled by inventive breakthroughs, global developments, and societies’ evolving needs. Policy change is the work of navigating these forces and attempting to understand and foresee future problems.
Generally speaking, policy changes are most successful when they are based on the “pulse” of the community. This involves understanding what people will support, and what they will resist. In addition, when possible, it is best to try to change policies in ways that promote and enhance life. This strategy is often referred to as “positivism,” and it can be a powerful tool for achieving policy change.
Another key factor in policy change is public opinion, which can be a powerful driver. For example, public concern over climate change may lead governments to adopt more environmental policies. Also, shifting public opinion about a certain social movement can cause a government to amend its existing laws in that area.
Finally, a changing business environment often requires policy change. For example, new technology, a shift in strategic direction, or even a merger or acquisition can necessitate reviewing policies and procedures.
As you gather a team to create policy changes, be sure the members have expertise in the areas that they are addressing. For instance, a safety manager is better suited to creating workplace safety policies than an HR director, and a network administrator is the ideal person to create cybersecurity policies. It is also important to document all comments, notes and input from the team, as this information could be useful if legal issues surface later on.