Policy without (much) pain - University of Ballarat

Policy without (much) pain24. Policy culture‘Policy culture’ is a term that we in the ATEM Institutional Policy Network have found helpful. Itprovides an explanation for why, in some institutions, the challenges for policy developers andpolicy managers are greater than in others. There are four roles in a policy culture – and allinstitutional staff belong to at least one role (see diagram).If all members of the institutional community are performing their role effectively, the policy culturewill be healthy. Policy will tend to meet the needs of the institution and be generally respected.This is likely to enhance the staff and student experience.Any staff member can make auseful contribution by takingan interest in policy andparticipating in consultation.In other institutions, this ideal situation maynot yet be the case – but each member of theinstitution can contribute to improving thesituation. For example, any staff member canmake a useful contribution by taking aninterest in policy and participating inconsultation. Policy developers contribute byrunning their policy projects well, consulting thoroughly and being responsive to stakeholders.Policy managers and senior managers can have a highly beneficial effect on policy culture byproviding leadership and modelling. Conversely, if the institution has not yet achieved a healthypolicy culture, policy developers need to recognise this and limit their expectations to avoiddisappointment. They need to bide their time and seek allies to foster a better policy culture.Key points/tips:‣ Everyone can contribute to a healthy policy culture.‣ If the institution has not yet achieved a healthy policy culture, policydevelopers need to bide their time and seek allies.~ 48 ~