Room for Manoeuvre; An Exploration of Public Policy in Agricultural and Rural Development

Clay & Schaffer start from the assumption that policies can actually make a difference and that there are different policy choices; i.e. there is room for a manoeuvre. However, this does not mean that policy is a case of linking intentions to implementation. In fact, Clay & Schaffer point out that there is frequently a gap between policy aims and outcomes, and they claim that this clear divide is upheld because it enables the group on each side (decision-makers versus implementers) to blame the other group for policy failures.

They conclude by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in the policy process, in order to avoid the decision/implementation dichotomy and to encourage responsible action at all stages of the process. They also note the danger - especially in rural development - that policy making may become 'a mystique of elites' [p.192], and therefore it is important to engage with the groups in question. Finally they comment that 'the whole life of policy is a chaos of purposes and accidents' [p.192]; however, this is not seen as an excuse for irresponsibility, but rather is used as an argument for increased responsibility.