Hidden agendas: shining a light on the dark side of public policy

ABSTRACT

Allegations of hidden policy agendas are a perennial feature of public policy-making, but there are no works in existence dealing directly and systematically with this crucial phenomenon. This article seeks to address this gap with a novel heuristic allowing analysts to approach the topic of hidden agendas. It addresses issues of methodology: Who hides? What is hidden? Who do they hide it from? Tools/techniques used to hide. Consequences of hidden agendas that remain hidden. What happens once hidden agendas are exposed? It also examines normative dimensions, including the possibility that hidden agendas may actually serve the business of governing. The article also puts forward four criteria for ascertaining with a degree of plausibility the existence of a hidden agenda. It applies these criteria to a specific case study and argues that there is considerable potential for applying it to other cases.

KEYWORDS:

• Agenda-setting
• decision-making
• hidden agendas
• policy agendas
• policy studies

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank numerous academic colleagues at various workshops and conference who have provide valuable feedback on draft iterations of the article. Particular thanks go to Dave Marsh for initial discussions that helped shape thinking, and to the journal editors and reviewers for their challenging and insightful feedback.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Note on contributor

Allan McConnell is professor in the Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney, as well as visiting professor in the School of Government and Public Policy, University of Strathclyde. Email [email protected].