2011, Vol.22, No.3

This paper aims to introduce the concept and diverse methods of interpretive policy analysis, and examines its possibilities and limits vis-a-vis mainstream positivistic policy analysis. In addition, this paper offers some suggestions as to how scholars of Korean public administration can utilize this approach to policy analysis. Interpretive policy analysis is a methodology which focuses on policy meanings and describes and explains how values, emotions, and beliefs are expressed in policies, as well as how their meanings are communicated and understood within policy communities, and can be used to further prescribe alternative policy options. Interpretive policy analysis uses various methods to analyze symbolic language, objects, and acts, to understand shared meanings among community members. This paper introduces several of these methods including symbolic language (metaphor analysis, category analysis, and narrative analysis), symbolic objects (built space analysis and program analysis), and symbolic acts (ritual analysis and myth analysis). In addition, this paper discusses the possibilities and limitations of interpretive policy analysis, which is mainly utilized to describe and explain policy but can be partially used for prescriptive research and can be broadly utilized to analyze the whole policy process. The most fundamental limitation of interpretive policy analysis is that it is easy to fall into the so-called subjectivist trap. Nonetheless, this paper claims that there is a possibility of "substantive objectification" if the analysis is based on the understanding of "interpretive community." Finally, this paper argues that analytical methods can be constructively integrated and interpretive policy analysis can be used as a supplement rather than an alternative to mainstream positivist policy analysis.

Performance Analysis of Digital Ethics Education Program

한인섭 , 김은희 , Kim, Sun-Kyoung and 1 other persons | 2011, 22(3) | pp.261~285 | number of Cited : 4

An investigation of the Enablers and Barriers of Job Analysis in the Korean government

Jin, Jongsoon , Hyeon-Suk Lyu | 2011, 22(3) | pp.287~312 | number of Cited : 2

The Study on Effects of Social Capital of Social Welfare Organization on Job Performance among Social Workers: Focusing on mediated effect of intellectual capital

전기우 , YUN, Kwang-Jai | 2011, 22(3) | pp.313~343 | number of Cited : 3

Learning in International Forestry Co-operation? A Case-Study of the ASEAN Peer Consultation Framework in the Philippines

마크윌딩 | 2011, 22(3) | pp.345~361 | number of Cited : 0

Analysis of the Effect of Job Business of the Aged on the Change in Depression of the Aged

Kim, Eun Hye , Kang, Jong Hyuc | 2011, 22(3) | pp.363~378 | number of Cited : 25

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This research examines the policy effectiveness of the Senior Job Supporting Program as we approach the 7th anniversary of program implementation. In order to analyze the policy's actual effectiveness, this study sought to discover to what extent the welfare of the senior population has been improved by this program. Rather than measuring the overall impact of the program on the senior population, this paper investigates the actual improvements within a specific research category; seniors suffering from depression who participate in the program. To achieve the end research goal, the study focuses on behavioral change in the sampled senior groups. In addition, policy analysis is applied to better explain the policy effectiveness after the program introduction. Regarding methodology, this research is an empirical study conducted alongside a reassessment of previous related research. The data sample was collected from senior welfare centers in the 5 Seoul City districts, out of a total of 25 districts, with the lowest average residential income: Yeongdeungpo-gu, Nowon-gu, Jongno-gu, Dobong-gu, Eunpyeong-gu. While setting up 4 independent variables causing depression; health, psychology, economic and social status, the degree of depression and independence were fixed as the two separate dependent variables. Other statistical variables; gender, age, educational background, previous occupation, and marital status were also accounted for by the research in order to further investigate the impact of the Senior Job Supporting Program from various perspectives. Sample data was collected between March 8 and August 10 2010, where 3 surveys of the sampled senior population were conducted according to different time frames. In the 2nd and 3rd surveys, the same questions were asked before and after the employment program to measure the impact of the program. In total, 387 survey question sheets were returned. Against this background, the comparative analysis found that:① Participation in the Senior Job Supporting Program had a significant effect on improving depression. ② Overall depression symptoms for seniors participating in the program were reduced after employment. ③ Depression was significantly reduced for seniors across all social groups after employment. ④ To determine the factors contributing to the improvement of depression, a multiple regression model was introduced in this paper. Also, through the regression analysis, the four most significant variables causing depression, by order of importance, were found to be health, psychology, economic status and social status.

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Korean Society and Public Administration 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 1.89

2011, Vol.22, No.3