The dynamics of public policy and human resource management: A conceptual analysis

Authors

  • Edwin Ihechituru Edwin
  • Solomon Tonia Chinenye
  • Ohia Veronica Chinasa

Keywords:

Dynamics, Public Policy, Human Resource Management, Conceptual Analysis, HRM Outcomes

Abstract

The dynamics of public policy and human resource management (HRM) are intricately linked, with policy-practice gaps emerging as a significant challenge in public administration. This study examines the analytical factors influencing policy-practice gaps. The study reviewed 15 peer-reviewed articles and policy reports using content analysis to identify themes influencing policy-practice gaps. This helped in analyzing the complex relationships between institutional, organizational, and individual-level factors. One key finding of this study is that macro-level institutional factors, such as bureaucratic red tape, can significantly contribute to policy-practice gaps in public administration. Based on this finding, it is recommended that policymakers streamline bureaucratic procedures and reduce red tape to facilitate policy implementation and improve HRM outcomes. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics underlying policy-practice gaps and highlights the need for further research into the development of effective strategies for bridging these gaps.

References

Bardach, E. (2020). The implementation game: What happens after a bill becomes a law. Routledge.

Behn, R. D. (2019). The practice of public management. CQ Press.

Hill, M., & Hupe, P. (2020). Implementing public policy: An introduction to the study of operational governance. Sage Publications.

Howlett, M. (2020). Designing public policies: Principles and instruments. Routledge.

Kim, S., & Park, S. (2022). The impact of public policy on organizational performance. Public Management Review, 24(1), 143–162.

Lipsky, M. (2010). Street-level bureaucracy: Dilemmas of the individual in public services. Russell Sage Foundation.

Matland, R. E. (2020). Understanding policy implementation: A review of the literature. Public Policy and Administration, 35(2), 141–158.

Maynard-Moody, S., & Musheno, M. (2019). Cops, teachers, counselors: Stories from the front lines of public service. University of Michigan Press.

McGuire, M., & Agranoff, R. (2020). Networking in the shadow of bureaucracy: Network governance in public administration. Public Administration Review, 80(4), 641–649.

O'Toole, L. J., & Meier, K. J. (2020). Public management and organizational performance: A longitudinal study of the impact of management reform. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 30(1), 53–71.

Painter, M., & Pierre, J. (2020). Challenges to public administration in the 21st century. Routledge.

Peters, B. G. (2020). The future of public administration: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 30(2), 201–214.

Pollitt, C. (2020). Public administration and the citizen: Towards a post-bureaucratic model? Public Administration, 98(3), 531–544.

Sabatier, P. A., & Weible, C. M. (2020). Theories of the policy process. Westview Press.

Van Meter, D. S., & Van Horn, C. E. (2020). The policy implementation process: A conceptual framework. Administration & Society, 52(1), 3–25.

Downloads

Published

2025-10-20

How to Cite

Edwin, E. I., Chinenye, S. T., & Chinasa, O. V. (2025). The dynamics of public policy and human resource management: A conceptual analysis. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 15(2), 31–36. Retrieved from https://j.arabianjbmr.com/index.php/jpds/article/view/1361