Public Communication and Public Policy

Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication

Häftad, Engelska, 2025

Av Jim Macnamara, Australia) Macnamara, Jim (University of Technology Sydney, Jim MacNamara

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An invaluable resource for shaping policies that resonate with the public and benefit democratic practicesDemocracy may be widespread, but its vitality is under siege. Public trust in governments and institutions has eroded to critical levels, with many democracies failing to include citizens in meaningful consultation, engagement, and participation.Public Communication and Public Policy: Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication addresses this urgent need, exposing how one-way communication practices perpetuate disengagement and hinder policy effectiveness. Drawing on research across three continents, author Jim Macnamara dissects policy frameworks and government communication guidelines to uncover systemic shortcomings and offer actionable solutions.Combining critical literature reviews, practitioner interviews, and real-world case studies, Public Communication and Public Policy delivers detailed recommendations to reform public communication—challenging conventional approaches and advocating for recalibrated consultation and citizen participation to rebuild trust and reinvigorate democratic processes.A timely, solutions-focused analysis of democratic challenges, Public Communication and Public Policy Analyzes 16 widely used policy models to reveal critical gaps in consultation and engagement practicesProvides detailed strategies to enhance public communication, consultation, and stakeholder participationIntroduces groundbreaking frameworks such as the IP-IT model of communicationExamines key policy failures such as Robodebt (Australia) and Post Office Horizon (UK)Bridges communication theory, public policy studies, and political sciencePublic Communication and Public Policy: Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication is a must-read for academics, students, and professionals in public communication, strategic communication, and public policy. It is particularly relevant for policymakers, advisers, and government communication practitioners aiming to create inclusive, effective, and trust-building policies.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2025-08-28
Mått152 x 226 x 25 mm
Vikt454 g
FormatHäftad
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor352
FörlagJohn Wiley & Sons Inc
ISBN9781394265688

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Jim Macnamara is a Distinguished Professor of Public Communication in the School of Communication at the University of Technology Sydney. He is also a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the London College of Communication. He is the author of 19 books including Organizational Listening II: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice and Evaluating Public Communication: Exploring New Models, Standards, and Best Practice.

List of Figures ixList of Tables xList of Boxes xiAcknowledgements xiiAbbreviations xivKey Definitions xviiChapter 1 The ‘Democratic Deficit’ 1Loss of Trust 4The Lost Public 8Public Affairs and Lobbying 12Types of Democracy: The Sociopolitical Context 14References 17Chapter 2 The Public Sphere – And Its Problems 25The Public 26Public Opinion 27The Public Sphere 28The State 32References 44Chapter 3 Public Policy 53Types and Levels of Public Policy 55Policy Sciences 56Policy Studies 60References 62Chapter 4 The Public Policy Development Process 67The Policy Environment 67Policy Inputs 69Policy Outputs 71Policy Frameworks 71The Policy Process 73Policy Cycles 74Policy Analysis 86Policy Platforms 87Finding the Policy ‘Sweet Spot’: The Overton Window 87Public Communication and Public Policy 88References 90Chapter 5 Public Communication 94Fundamentals of Communication 94Public Communication 103Government Communication 105Public Sector Communication 109Public Sphere Communication vs Public Sector Communication 110The Public Sector Communication Ecosystem 111European Union Initiatives 115UK Government Communication Service (GCS) 121French Government Information Service (GIS) 130Open Government Partnership (OGP) 131OECD Open Government, Civic Space, and Public Communication Unit 133Ireland’s Open Government, Citizens’ Assemblies, and Referenda 135Australian Public Service Approach to Engagement and Participation 137A Home State “State of the Nation” – The NSW Department of Customer Service 140References 144Chapter 6 Consultation, Engagement, and Participation: Theory and Practical Insights 161Public Consultation 163Stakeholder and Citizen Engagement 165Participation in Public Policy and Decision-Making 173What Senior Public Policy and Public Communication Leaders Say 176Findings from Senior Practitioner Interviews 197Acknowledging Challenges 201References 203Chapter 7 Behavioural Insights: Is This the Answer? Or Part of the Problem? 214How to Get People to Do Things: Biases and Heuristics 215Who Do You Trust? 216Behavioural Public Policy 217Lack of Insight: The Antithetical Problem 220References 222Chapter 8 Recalibrating Public Communication for Public Policy 225Applying the IP-ITModel 225Organizational Listening 229CEL vs. SELL 236Integrated Models of Public Communication and Public Policy Development 237The Time for Government Public Communication is Now 241References 242Chapter 9 Why Governments Don’t Listen: Challenges to Address 247Fear 247Bias, Heuristics, and System 1 Thinking 249Lack of Processes, Systems, and Tools 250Cultural Factors: The “Talkative Species” 253References 255Chapter 10 Enablers of Meaningful Inclusive Engagement and Participation 258Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Citizen Participation 259Data Integration and Analysis 261Deliberation 263Mini-Publics 264Outreach 265Metamodernism 271Public Communication Knowledge and Skills 273Watchdogs to Listening Dogs: The Role of Media 279Citizen, Heal Thyself 280Final Words: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations 283References 287Appendix A: Research Methodology 298Bibliography 303Index 306