Successful Management in Implementing Organizations, Research Paper Example

Effective policies in organizations are the very basis through which they operate. It is through policies that changes are effected. For successful policies to emerge, a combination of different factors is essential. One of the most important is comprehensive management; even the most successful organizations inevitably deteriorate under poor management. Partly because competent, dynamic, and well rounded managers are inherent to any successful policy, and thereby to any successful implementing organization. Policy implementation begins with rulemaking, and is followed the operation of public laws (Longest, 2010). The operation entails actions taken to reinforce such policy, while the implementation comprises of an amalgamation of human, financial, and a myriad of additional resources to attain goals incorporated in legislation.

Underpinnings of Successful Management

For any organization to be effective and successful, clear and concise goals are required. Good leadership and a willing workforce also play an important role. More importantly, however, is the design of well-written policies with clearly articulated objectives, through which such objectives will be accomplished. These policies have to seamlessly integrate into every aspect of its respective organization, and this depends largely on the capabilities of the managers within the implementing organization. The language and construction of these policies is paramount, especially when they come in the form of a public law. These will determine the course and success of its operation (Longest, 2010). When the objectives of any policy are ambiguous or convoluted, successful operation of such will become far more difficult. A good design of a policy is of the utmost importance; such must include its goals and objectives, the hypotheses or causal relationships embedded in it, and flexibility allowed for those responsible of the implementation (Longest, 2010). While a hypothesis is merely a supposition at first, it is important to have an idea of what the policy will be aiming towards and its subsequent effects on such will be. Improperly identifying a problem could lead to concentration on the wrong issue while neglecting the real concern. Another aspect of policy construction that must align with its implementation is the extent of flexibility within the policy. Too much flexibility will allow for misinterpretation, or even worse, deliberate misconstruing of such. On the other hand, not enough flexibility can also impede successful implementation of the policy. A good example of this is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). According to Longest, 2010, Congress stipulated that firms in violation of predetermined standards would be fined $1,000- $10,000 for minor and serious violations, respectively. That hindered the effective operation of the law because of its specific language.

In the occurrence that no agency exists, which is capable of carrying out a particular policy, there is a need to establish and staff new agencies. Interpreting clearly is an element, which is very essential for a policy to be implemented effectively because legislative intention should be translated to rules and guidelines of operation (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). At this stage, too much uncertainty can lead to the judiciary being involved, and this will compel legislators to give a clarification to their means and ends for implementation of the policy. In case the legislative intent cannot be translated effectively into appropriate rules and guidelines of operation, the judiciary may overturn or overrule the policies’ implementation. Dedicating resources that are aimed at implementing the policy under the primary element must be linked with coordinating the policy with operations that are ongoing. This is to say that, excessive opposition and competition with agencies or initiatives that are already in existence must not be caused by a new agency or initiative (Patel & Rushefsky, 2005).

Conclusion

Enactment of a policy can sometimes be insufficient to lead to the stimulation of changes in healthcare practice. Policy as an instrument of changing practice, must lead to the thoughtful address of the professional, social and organizational framework within which implementing the policy is done. These frameworks can either block or facilitate the implementation process. No matter how convincing policy statements would appear, they cannot be assumed to lead to change in healthcare practice. Policy makers should make a careful consideration to the objectives and the intention of a policy, including evidence against and for other approaches. Contextual barriers policy implementers face should also be considered. Therefore, implementing a policy inflicts a hefty amount of confusion and discretion in administering policies.

References

Longest, B. B. (2010). Health policymaking in the United States. Chicago: Health Administration Press.

Patel, K., & Rushefsky, M. E. (2005). The politics of public health in the United States. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe.

Teitelbaum, J. B., & Wilensky, S. E. (2013). Essentials of health policy and law. Sudbury, Mass: Jones & Bartlett Learning.