Table 1 Multidimensional characteristics of policy success and failure (adapted from Howlett [6], drawing on McConnell [1, 2])
Evaluative Measure | Evidence of Success | Evidence of Failure |
|---|---|---|
Original objectives | Objectives achieved | Objectives not achieved |
Target group impact | Perceived positive impact | Perceived negative impact |
Results (i.e. outcomes) | Problem improvement | Problem worsening |
Significance | Important to act | Failing to act |
Source of support/opposition | Key groups support | Key groups oppose |
Jurisdictional comparisons | Leading or best practice | Someone else is doing better elsewhere |
Balance sheet | Benefits outweigh costs | Costs outweigh benefits |
Level of innovation | New changes | Old response |
Normative stance | Right thing to do | Wrong thing to do |