Understanding Policy Actors and Their Power by Margarate N. Munakampe - Health Policy and Management

Description

This presentation by Margarate N. Munakampe, adapted from the work of Lucy Gilson, provides a foundational analysis of policy actors and the dynamics of power within health policy and management. It systematically identifies and categorises key actors from both inside and outside the bureaucracy, including authorisers, interest groups, the media, citizens, beneficiaries, and street-level bureaucrats. The material explores how actors' interests, values, and beliefs shape their engagement with policy, and examines the multiple forms of power they wield, from overt decision-making to covert resistance and thought control. This resource is essential for students enrolled in tertiary programmes such as Master of Public Health, Health Systems Management, or Health Policy, offering critical insights for analysing stakeholder influence and navigating the political dimensions of health system reform. It equips learners with the conceptual tools to assess actor networks and power sources in real-world policy implementation. Use this analysis to deepen your understanding of the actors who shape health policy outcomes.