Social Policy Development

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents examples of a growing private sector interest in social policy issues, including social policy development and implementation. It carries a focus on audiences both external and internal to the organization. Social policy advocates have often worked in the past to promote social issues independent of direct input or support from private sector organizations. This exclusion has contributed to polarization, and in some cases the ultimate loss of policy implementation. Because of limited financial resources, less lobbying clout, and limited access to key decision makers, traditional social policy advocates can only benefit from private sector support. However, such out-reach will require reframing proposed policy statements in terms that gain support from these organizations. It can also provide direct access to private sector resources in the form of money, influence, and personnel. These resources can then be harnessed to work on behalf of new social policy opportunities.