The book, The saints, wizards , demons and systems , explaining the success or failure of public policies and programmes, by Joseph R.A.Ayee, talks explains why and how public policies and programmes succeed or fail.It moves on to talk about the actors in policy making, which are the saints(the progressive and committed politicians and bureaucrats), the wizards (policy analysts and reliable informants) and Demons (apathetic groups).
The book throws more light on what political commitment is, what decentralisation is, how it occurs and focused quite a bit more on public policy making.Public administration system is also a topic of interest in the book, it's general weaknesses and processes.The author then mentioned in his writing the civil service , it's objectives and it's mandate.He went on to talk about the NDPC, an institution that has been established to enhance policy analysis, it's purpose, merits and demerits were also stated.
Corruption was the next to be identified in his text followed by Leadership. One major suggestion made in the book was that all demons ( corrupt public officials) be identified, managed and neutralised if public policies are to succeed.Some strategies were recommended. It can be noticed that all the areas mentioned above are in relation to public policy making and it's processes.
An issue that were identified by me in the book were
The book was a little too technical, such that one with little or no experience on the subject topic would be unable to understand. The words used for quite huge making reading difficult.
My likes with regards to the book were
Every information stated there were pure facts and were backed by references.
The work was well spaced, paragraphed and bulleted, making it easier to read
Gives in depth information about every topic stated.It gives the reader enough information in order to create a mental picture regarding what's been read.
There was inclusion of works by other theorists, creating a diversity of information sources.
A little recommendation I can make is that markers be placed at the end of every page that explains certain technical jargons, which will make reading his work much easier.
My view is that the book by Joseph R.A.Ayee is the best book to go to when it comes to public policy because it is a book enriched with all the facts and knowledge needed.My rating on this book will be an 8 out of 10 , based on my experience reviewing it.
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