Cruden G, Crable EL, Lengnick-Hall R, Purtle J. Who’s “in the room where it happens”? A taxonomy and five-step methodology for identifying and characterizing policy actors. Implement Sci Commun. 2023;4(1):113. doi:10.1186/s43058-023-00492-6
This paper outlines a methodology for identifying policy actors and the spaces in which they act at various stages of policy dissemination and implementation. This methodology guides implementation scientists when they seek the individuals responsible for policy development and implementation. In addition, it allows researchers to specify appropriate contexts and partnerships for policy-related implementation efforts. Briefly, the five policy actors are disseminator, implementer, influencer, and enforcer. Policy developers address problems and drive the intention of the policy needed to fix the problem, they often are critical in Exploration and Preparation phases. Disseminators are positioned to guide the policy from its written form to actual use, they often are part of the organization that develops the policy and act primarily in the Preparation phase. Implementers have authority over the policy and ensure its appropriate use. Influencers are most seen during Exploration, dissemination, and Sustainment phases, they formally and informally direct the use of evidence throughout the policy implementation process. Enforcers work with the disseminators and implementers to determine the success of the implementation and provide necessary support across Implementation and Sustainment phases. To identify these actors, and the spaces in which they make decisions, a five-step when, where, what, who, how, methodology can be used. To develop this methodology, the authors used a federal policy, the Family First Prevention Services Act, as a case study. The first step is to clarify which policy implementation phase is of interest and specify the level of implementation. Next, individuals need to determine who the appropriate policy actors for their phase of interest are. In step three, individuals should characterize the organizations in the room to help explain the specific role(s) of the policy actors of interest. In step four, individuals should determine how much the policy actors (from step 3) can influence decision-making in later implementation phases. Lastly, individuals should evaluate the representation of appropriate perspectives in the given policy discussion space, and suggest increasing diversity in actor roles, expertise, and interests if needed. The paper also provides useful guides and techniques for anyone engaging in this five-step process.