International Social Policy
Introduction
Social policy is concerned with the delivery of social welfare to the society. Social policy focuses on different areas that include policy and administrative practices in the healthcare sector, housing, employment and community care (Beland 2010). Moreover, social policy is concerned on how individual’s welfare is likely to be affected by different circumstances such as unemployment, intellectual disability, mental illness and old age. Thus, social policy contributes to improvement in the welfare of the affected individuals’. Conversely, Deacons and Stubbs (2007) emphasises that social policy is concerned with responding to social problems affecting the society such as crime, family breakdown, and drug addiction amongst others. Thus, the purpose of social policy is not only to understand but also to change the world (Beland 2010). The enactment of social policy is underlined by the prevalence of different social programs in the society. According to Guzman, Pirog and Seefeldt (2013), most social programs are aimed at improving the welfare of low-income households. Different social programs are established with the purpose of achieving specific objectives. Social policy is characterised by plurality of social goals. According to Beland (2010), ‘the objectives and nature of social policy vary significantly from one policy area to another’ (p.4).
The state is one of the major actors in the formulation and implementation of social policy. Amongst the notable state actors include the government and the associated governmental agencies and departments (Ngok & Chan 2015). In addition to the state actors, the process of designing and implementing social policy is undertaken in collaboration with other non-state actors such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (Thomas & Vesna 2015).In light of this assertion, this paper entails a critical discussion on the role of NGOs in the process of designing and delivery of social policy. The analysis focuses on the role of the United Nation as one of the NGOs involved in designing and implementation of social policy.
Analysis
Definition of NGOs
Surender and Walker (2013) assert that ‘NGOs can be understood as part f the subset of third –sector or non-profit organisations that are engaged in development or humanitarian action at local, national and international levels’ (p. 62). Alternatively, NGOs can be defined to include self-governing entities that are focused on improving the welfare of the disadvantaged individuals in the society.
NGOs and social policy
Social policy is largely concerned with three main contexts, which include health, education, and welfare services. Alternatively, social policy is intended at eliminating the major constraints in the society. During the 1980s and 1990s, social policy was limited to provision of services and welfare. Subsequently, social policy was ineffective in promoting a balanced social and economic development. Piotr (2008) asserts that ‘social policy was considered residual, secondary to the focus on growth’ (p.6). As a result of this perception on the significance of social policy, its implementation was hindered by limited funding. However, the significance of social policy has increased significantly over the 21st century. Currently, social policy is regarded as a necessary component f the globalising world. Additionally, social policy is regarded to be a critical component of the state. Nevertheless, the value of social policy in enhancing and shaping countries’ development depends on how well social policy is designed and implemented.
Local and international NGOs have become central in the process of designing and delivery of different social policies (Surrender & Walker 2013). Paul (2014), emphasise that NGOs have undergone remarkable evolution with regard to administration of social policy. One of the fundamental social policy roles that NGOs undertake relate to implementation of social policy. Non-governmental organisations undertake remarkable development roles aimed at eliminating poverty. According to Kazepov (2010), NGOs undertake two main roles, viz. the developmental role with reference to implementation of major projects and as actors focused in enhancing societal transformation.
One of the core roles in the implementation of social policy entails mobilisation of resources. Implementation of social policy requires the NGOs to possess a substantial amount of resources in order to provide the intended welfare to the target group. It is estimated that approximately 10% of all overseas development in the developing countries are facilitated using funds transferred through NGOs (Surender & Walker 2013). Some of the NGOs remain substantially small while others undergo significant growth hence becoming well recognised entities. The UN is one example of NGOs that have undergone considerable growth hence becoming a large multinational NGO.
The UN and social policy
The United Nations refers to an international organisation that is comprised of 193 member states. The UN is structured into different organs that include the Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, the Security Council, General Assembly, UN Secretariat and the General Assembly. The UN system is comprised of different programmes, with each programme organised into its distinct leadership, budget and leadership. However, UN’s operations are funded through voluntary contributions. As one of the NGOs, the UN plays a fundamental role in the process of designing and implementing social policy on different areas that affect the society (United Nations 2016).
The UN possesses substantial influence and capacity in mobilising and acquiring the requisite resources. Thus, the UN is successful in ensuring that its social programs are effectively implemented. For example, in an effort to enhance food security in Lesotho, the Food and Agricultural Organisation, which is a constituent part of the UN, initiated a food security project in 2011 (Reliefweb 2015). The project involved offering farmers agricultural inputs such a seeds. Through this approach, the UN was able to significantly improve the country’s food security.
In addition to the above role, the UN undertakes a considerable service delivery role. Wolff (2013) accentuates that NGOs are characterised by remarkable competences that enable them to effectively and efficiently implement diverse social policy programs. As one of the NGOs, the UN offers its clients a myriad of services that range from health care, education and human rights, humanitarian services and financial service (Surender & Walker 2013). For example, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has played a fundamental role in improving the welfare of Palestinian refugees by providing them diverse services such as education, social services, healthcare, camp infrastructure, microfinance and emergency services, relief and social services (United Nations 2016). Therefore, through the service role, the UN has significantly contributed to improvement in the quality of life of the vulnerable Palestinian refugees. Additionally, through their service roles, NGOs contribute to remarkable transformation and establishment of balance within the society. For example, during the 2009 earthquake in Haiti, NGOs played a significant role in implementing social policy by responding to the basic needs of the Haiti people. The UN was extensively involved in provision of humanitarian assistance and emergency relief after the occurrence of the earthquake (Cohen 2011).
In addition to the above contributions, NGOs also play an essential role in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency with which social policies are formulated and implemented by the state. For example, NGOs provide critical advice to governments on different areas of social policy development and implementation. To enhance its effectiveness in undertaking the advisory role, the United Nations has established the Division for Social Policy and Development, which offers governments’ substantive support on how to design and implement policy. In its quest to promote designing and delivery of social policy, the Division offers Member states knowledge on how to actualise social policy resolutions and programmes. Moreover, the Division offers member states the financial support required to ensure that social policy programs are operationalised. The UN achieves this role by establishing a general trust fund. Example of such programs includes the World Program of Action for Persons with Disabilities.
Relevance of NGOs in designing and delivery of social policy
Moher, Morales-Gomez and Tschirgi (2000) assert that ‘NGOs are increasingly being designated as the “miracle weapon” in the fight against poverty’ (p. 73). This aspect is underlined by the increase in the rate at which a substantial proportion of foreign aid is being transferred through NGOs opposed to government agencies.
One of the factors that have increased NGOs relevance in the delivery of social policy entails their efficient mode of operation. First, NGOs have established effective administrative structures, which have significantly eliminated bureaucracy in the implementation of social policies. In line with its commitment to enhance delivery of social policy, the United Nations has entrenched a high degree of transparency and accountability as some of its values that guide its operations. Additionally, United Nation’s operations are characterised by less bureaucracies and duplication of tasks, which enhances its efficiency in implementing different areas of social policy such as peace-keeping, disarmament, and responding to humanitarian emergencies (Non-Governmental Liaison Service 2016).
Ngok and Chan (2015) emphasise that social policy problems cannot be resolved by a single policy department. Thus, integration of a multiagency approach is critical. According to Beland (2010), policy outcomes are as a result of cooperation, intensive bargaining, and establishment of consensus with different stakeholders. The UN’s effectiveness in designing and delivery of social policy is underlined by the fact that it adopts a holistic approach. The UN ensures global participation of different stakeholders such as other NGOs in the delivery of social policy. For example, in the process of restructuring social policy, the UN ensures that adequate cooperation with other non-governmental organisations and the civil society. This indicates that the UN recognises other NGOs to be strategic allies in designing and delivery of social policy. As a result of such cooperation, the United Nations succeeds in dealing with the complexity associated with designing and implementation of social policy. Additionally, integration of a collaborative approach with the diverse stakeholders is essential in promoting social democracy. For example, the participative process adopted in designing social policy ensures the input of different stakeholders is taken into consideration (Piotrowicz & Cinciara 2013).
Through their service delivery and implementation role, NGOs have contributed to significant reduction in the level of inequalities and social injustices that prevail in the society. According to Beland (2010), NGOs adopt a holistic approach by targeting the groups likely to be excluded by the government in the provision of social services. Aspalter (2016) emphasises that NGOs are the most dominant organisations in the less developed economies with reference to provision of social programs. Irrespective of the fact that NGOs are not the ideal providers of social services, they are valuable actors in delivery of social programs. For example, the UN’s role to offer educational, health care, and financial support to refugees has remarkably improved the quality of life for the affected individuals.
In addition to the above aspects, the NGO’s advisory role on social policy and development has contributed to improvement in state’s approach to implementation of social policy. For example, governments are able to design social policies that are inclusive of the respective stakeholders in the society. The training and educational role of the NGOs has further contributed to improvement in the effectiveness with which governments are effective in implementing socially sensitive policies. Thus, NGOs have played a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness with which states develop social policies that are valuable to the society. In summary, NGOs undertake a very integral role in designing and delivering social policy and should not be ignored. NGOs do not only provide the structural requirements for strategy implementation but also ensure that the policy is optimally undertaken.
The State and NGO cooperation in implementing social policy
Both the state and the NGOs are focused on achieving one core goal with reference to social policy, which entails improving the society’s welfare. Due to the convergence of goals between the two parties, it is imperative for the parties to collaborate in ensuring that social policy is effectively designed and delivered. Despite the fact that the state has the power and capacity to design and deliver social policy, its effectiveness and efficiency in achieving the intended social policy outcome is limited. This does not mean that the state should leave designing and delivery of social policy to NGOs. According to Aspalter (2016), the notion that the NGOs are effective in implementing areas of social policies where the government has failed is not true. Therefore, it is essential for the state and the NGOs to collaborate in enhancing delivery of social policy.
Through such public partnership, it will possible for NGOs to ensure that social policy is effectively designed and delivered. For example, the government may have the requisite infrastructure for implementing social policy but the efficiency in social policy implementation is limited by the bureaucracies inherent in the implemented government structures. However, collaboration with the NGOs contributes to elimination of such limitations. Therefore, it is essential for the state and NGOs to focus on developing the requisite mechanisms to enhance strategic partnership working in designing and implementation of social policy.
Conclusion
Social policy is an integral component in promoting the welfare of the society. However, designing and delivering social policy is a complex process. Therefore, it is imperative for social policy to be effectively designed. This paper affirms the role of NGO in ensuring that social policy is effectively designed and delivered. NGOs ensure that social policy is effectively implemented due to their capacity to mobilise resources. As a result of their influence, NGOs are able to gather substantial resources from different sources. As a result of this aspect, NGOs are able to meet their budgetary requirements, which is a fundamental aspect in the delivery of social policy. For example, because of their financial resource capability, NGOs are able to undertake major development projects. The analysis further shows that NGOs are effective in responding to different social services issues such as health, education, and poverty eradication. NGOs further undertake a fundamental role in facilitating designing and delivery of social policies by offering different stakeholders the requisite skills on how to design and deliver social policy. This aspect is underlined by the UN’s commitment in offering advisory services to member states on how to design and deliver social policies. Through this approach, the UN has substantially contributed to improvement in the effectiveness with which social policy is developed.
The paper further underlines the value of NGO’s in the social policy designing and delivery process. The integration of NGOs in the social policy designing and delivery process ensures that the policies are optimally executed. This aspect is enhanced by the fact that NGOs are optimally structured and managed, which minimises the bureaucracies associated with policy implementation. Additionally, NGOs are characterised by a high degree of transparency and accountability in implementing social policy which underlines their value in enhancing social welfare. For example, through their mode of operations, NGOs are successful in eliminating social inequalities that arise from ineffective state operational practices. Therefore, NGOs are essential in the administration of social policy. In spite of their relevance, NGOs cannot fully replace the government in the process of designing and implementing social policy. On the contrary, it is imperative for the state and NGOs to adopt a collaborative approach in designing and implementing social policy. This approach will remarkably enhance social policy development and implementation.
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