Policies grow out of people’s basic assumptions and tend to be hardwired into our thinking, which makes it difficult to change them. Changing policies often takes patience, sensitivity and hard work if it is to be successful. But it can also have long-term benefits that make the effort worth the trouble.
Attempting policy changes can open up a dialogue about issues that may not have otherwise been addressed. When done right, the debate that ensues can change attitudes about those issues and even broader society. The history of seat belt laws, for example, shows how policies can change polarized public opinion and lead to permanent social change.
Involving community groups in the process of policy change can also serve to bring new perspectives to the table. They may be able to add important information that is not available elsewhere, such as data from studies or personal knowledge of the issue from working directly with people affected by it.
Once a policy is in place, it is important to periodically review and update it, making sure that it continues to meet the needs of the company and is in line with current best practices. This should include a thorough inventory of existing policies, as well as an assessment of whether any duplicative or less restrictive higher-order policies (such as state or UW System policy) supersede division or unit policy.