Why Do Policies Fail?

Tracing the Root Causes of Policy Failure in Bhutan

Abstract

A policy can be deemed unsuccessful when it fails to achieve its intended objectives. While most policies in Bhutan have been successful in terms of outcomes and impact, there have been a few instances where desired benefits were not realized. In light of this, a research study was conducted with the aim of identifying the causes of policy failures in Bhutan, utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional survey. The research findings revealed that inadequate coordination and insufficient implementation, monitoring, and evaluation were major contributing factors to policy failures in Bhutan. Furthermore, the study highlighted that policies lacked a strong foundation in evidence-based research, leading to inadequate analysis of problems and issues, ultimately resulting in policy failures. Another key finding was the lack of proper alignment between policy planning and implementation, stemming from a deficiency in coordination and consultation among key stakeholders. A significant number of respondents reported the absence of standardized evaluation criteria and an impartial authority to assess programs and projects. Policy learning, a crucial aspect of the policy cycle aimed at continuous improvement, was found to be lacking in the existing system. To address these gaps in the policy process, this paper puts forward several recommendations. These include fostering a research culture in policy formulation, creating a stronger synergy and interface between policy planners and implementers, enhancing implementation guidelines, and strengthening the existing monitoring and evaluation system. Additionally, the promotion of policy learning for continuous improvement is emphasized as a necessary step towards addressing the identified lacunae