Walden University Policy Field Map Worksheet

This Assignment is designed to introduce you to a tool called a policy field map. The tool is intended to visually represent the various societal sectors that might be involved in the implementation of a policy. Using the “Policy Field Map Worksheet” provided in the Learning Resources, you will research and analyze the societal sectors (i.e., public, social, private, other) that might be involved in implementing the policy for your Final Project. Your analysis will include understanding their individual and common interests and relationships related to the policy issue as well as the sources of power they might have to effect change related to the policy.

Assignment (2–3 pages, in addition to title and reference pages, where applicable)

Using the “Policy Field Map Worksheet” in the Learning Resources, create an individual, original Policy Field Map. To do this, use the topic your group identified for your group Final Project.

Respond to the following items on the “Policy Field Map Worksheet” found in the Learning Resources.

1. Identify the program or policy to be used for the Final Project.
2. Brainstorm and list the specific federal, state, and local institutions (public, nonprofit, private, for-benefit) that could be involved in implementing the program/policy.
3. Reflect on, and briefly research, the organizations on your list.
   1. Explain which organizations have an interest or stake in this policy/program.
   2. Explain which organizations have power to make change related to the policy/program. Power can come from many sources, including funding, program expertise, communications infrastructure, etc.
   3. Explain where their administrative authority lies. This could be at many levels, such as federal, local, etc.
4. Place the organizations side by side in two identical lists. (See the “Policy Field Map Worksheet” for additional details.)
5. Connect the organizations from Column 1 to Column 2. Use different colors to denote the different formal relationships as such. See the “Policy Field Map Worksheet” for additional details.:
   1. Nature of relationship/ties
   2. Funding
   3. Legal accountability
   4. Service linkages
   5. Other
6. Create a visual representation of the field and the relationships.
   Depending on the complexity of the policy field’s institutions and relationships, you may want to consider the following tools/methods. You do not need to use all of the worksheet categories—only the ones you feel are most germane to your policy field.
   1. Feel free to adapt or create your own tools/methods but be sure to include a key for your readers.

Be sure to support your Assignment with specific references to the Learning Resources and peer-reviewed sources from the Walden Library and/or the internet. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.

Walden University Policy Field Map Worksheet