Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Exploring the Role of Political Power and Influence in the Policy Agenda Setting Process

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Javad Madani
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration and Tourism, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/jipas.2025.351178.1439
Abstract
Purpose: The main purpose of this article is to explore and explain the role of political power and influence in the agenda-setting process of public policy. Since agenda-setting is considered the most sensitive and crucial stage in the policy-making cycle—one that determines the overall direction of future policies—this study seeks to analyze how political power and influence operate as key mechanisms in this process. Referring to the existing gap in the literature, where limited attention has been paid to the practical manifestation of political power and influence, the study aims to identify the main indicators and components of this role and provide a deeper understanding of how different actors can guide or divert the policy agenda.
Methodology: This research employed a sequential mixed-method design with unequal weighting across three phases: qualitative–qualitative–quantitative. The research process began with an online expert panel to identify key thematic axes, followed by the application of grounded theory and in-depth interviews to develop a conceptual model. Finally, a modified Delphi method was used to quantitatively validate the components of the derived model. Data were collected with the participation of various groups of experts in these phases. The sample size in the qualitative phases was determined by the principle of theoretical saturation, while in the quantitative phase, eight experts were purposefully selected. This methodological approach enabled a comprehensive exploration and validation of the role of political power and influence in the agenda-setting process of public policy.
Findings: Using a sequential mixed approach (qualitative–quantitative), this research investigated the role of political power and influence in the agenda-setting process of public policy. In the qualitative phase, based on grounded theory, data obtained from in-depth interviews with experts were analyzed, leading to the identification of 241 open codes, 63 axial codes, and 19 selective codes. Accordingly, the final model was developed in the form of a qualitative paradigm encompassing six main dimensions: causal conditions (such as type of governance system, government programs, and the role of interest groups), contextual factors (such as political–social dynamics and public interest orientation), the core category (the mechanism of power influence in agenda-setting), strategies (including discourse formation and broad participation), intervening conditions (such as lobbying and the use of political mechanisms), and consequences (including positive outcomes like process coherence and negative outcomes such as political polarization). In the quantitative phase, using the modified Delphi method, the identified components were confirmed and prioritized by eight experts. The results indicated that the components “role of interest and influential groups” and “use of political mechanisms” were the most influential factors, while components such as “type of policy-making model” received the lowest priority. The findings demonstrate that political power can act both as a facilitator and as a disrupting factor in the agenda-setting process, and its success depends on managing institutional and social contexts.
Conclusion: The study shows that political power and influence, as a key mechanism, play a dual role in the agenda-setting process of public policy. On one hand, they can lead to positive outcomes through coordination, consensus-building, and advancing complex policy issues; on the other hand, in the absence of proper management, they may result in polarization, process deviation, and the emergence of partisan policies. The findings suggest that to mitigate the negative effects and strengthen the constructive aspects of this influence, strategies such as enhancing transparency, reinforcing institutional accountability, and encouraging elite participation within a contingency-based management framework are essential and strategic.
Keywords
Policy
Agenda setting
Political Power and Influence
Mixed Study
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  • Receive Date 19 August 2024
  • Revise Date 15 November 2024
  • Accept Date 16 November 2024