What is public sector policy & political communications?
Observatory of Public Sector Innovation defines public policy as “a practice and discipline of making tangible written rules that govern a group of people or society at large.”
As the term implies, these policies are developed by government bodies for the common good of organizations, public servants (government workers) and citizens of a state.
Public policy communication is a purposeful process of communication that engages with the public on the stages in planning and developing a policy, its roll-out, implementation and management
What is Political Communication?
The process by which political leaders, officials and opinion leaders communicate and engage with citizens and stakeholders for a defined purpose, campaign, or agenda. ~ Sola Abulu.
Just like in organizational systems, political entities also need to influence public opinion and drive an agenda on electioneering systems and processes. This is achieved through political debates, media rounds, social media engagements and political speeches.
Political communication is often aimed at gaining supporters and influencing public opinion on a political candidate. This communication adopts a persuasive approach, is clear, authentic and relevant.
Bridging the Gap with Public-Sector Policy Communications
Public-sector policy communications ensure that information about government policies and initiatives is disseminated effectively to the public. This communication fosters transparency, accountability, and public trust. It is crucial for keeping citizens informed and enabling them to participate actively in democratic processes.
Read this book by Wiley Blackwell on Public Sector Communication: Closing Gaps Between Citizens and Public Organizations.
In Nigeria, for example, the Federal Civil Service Commission Charter has said it is accountable to the Nigerian people and the sitting governments. This is a typical example of citizen-centric communication because the statement shows the commission’s loyalty and priority on citizens.
Public policy communication is important for a responsive and inclusive government where citizens trust the government’s resolution on different matters because there is an open flow of communication that ensures the public is carried along in decision-making processes.
In the case of a public sector policy, strategic communications involve disseminating complex policy issues for members of the public to understand. An example is in how public sector communicators can craft their message around the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) as it affects the demolition of properties for the construction of a Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
You will find the recommendations in this article useful.
What is Citizen-Centric Communications?
A communication effort is said to be citizen-centric when it places priority on the citizenry.
Citizen-centric Communication works best in an environment that believes in the rights and duties of a citizen and the role of public sector entities in protecting and serving those rights as provided for by law and public service mandates.
~Sola Abulu.
This approach to communicating can be adopted in both public policy communication and political communication where citizen’s concerns on an issue or agenda are prioritized.
Political and policy communicators should be able to communicate effectively to address citizen concerns, help gain an understanding of complex policy issues and build confidence in their agenda and governance respectively. Political and public sector communications have a symbiotic relationship. While public policies refer to different aspects of government, political communications hold the power dynamics that influence policy making.
You can catch up on this YouTube video by Sola Abulu on the Importance of citizen-centric communication in public sector administration, policy and governance.
Enrolment is now open for the 1st cohort of the CPDSO-Accredited SA&A Public Sector, Policy & Political Communications Course
Register here: https://www.solaabuluassociates.com/signup-interest/
Course price: ₦149,950
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Sola Abulu & Associates is a strategy and communications consulting and training firm committed to enabling businesses, brands and organizations to achieve their objectives through strategic communications, organizational effectiveness and reputation risk management
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