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CHAPTER 2. SUBJECTS AND OBJECTS OF STATE POLICY

 

2.3 Objects of state policy


State policy is a set of purposeful actions of state bodies aimed at regulating public relations and solving socio-economic and political problems. An important component of public policy is its objects, which are areas and groups that are targeted by management decisions and measures of state regulation.

From the point of view of management theory, society is considered as an object of state-governing influence, representing a complex, multi-layered system that requires flexible and adaptive regulatory mechanisms.

Historically, there have been various concepts of managed public administration objects. For a long time, the dominant idea was that the state should control almost all social processes, including people's consciousness, behavior, and activities. This approach led to the formation of totalitarian regimes. At the same time, the extreme opposite – the refusal of the state to manage social processes – leads to destabilization and chaos. The optimal governance model assumes a balance between state intervention and maintaining the autonomy of civil society, which ensures sustainable development and political stability.

Based on the human nature of managed objects (systems), we can identify a number of their key properties that determine the nature of their interaction with public administration.

First, it is the activity of managed objects (systems). This is their ability to self-move based on internal (own) motivational reasons. This property is realized in various forms, such as the transformation of the environment in accordance with one's own goals and needs; active interaction with the external environment to achieve the desired results; the ability to adapt to changing socio-economic and political conditions; purposeful activities focused on specific objects, phenomena and relationships; the ability to self-government, expressed in social interaction. self-regulation; determining the directions of their own development; dependence on objective conditions and factors of social life, which sets the boundaries and opportunities for their development.

Second, directionality is the ability of managed objects (systems) to formulate goals and organize their activities to achieve them. This property is especially important in the context of civil society, where the independence of social groups and institutions contributes to the development of democratic processes.

Third, adaptability, i.e. the ability to respond to changes in the external environment, to adjust behavior in accordance with new conditions. This quality allows systems to survive and evolve without becoming too dependent on external management.

And finally, the ability to self-manage (social self-regulation), i.e. the ability of managed objects (systems) to organize their life and development without constant state intervention.

The combination of the above properties determines the degree of necessary public administration. The more developed the managed objects are, the higher the level of their independence and rationality in decision-making, the less the need for strict state regulation. In such cases, governance can be «soft» and coordinated, limited to strategic planning, creating favorable conditions for self-development, and minimally intervening to maintain public order and stability.

Objects of state policy are social, economic, political and other phenomena that the activities of state institutions are aimed at.

Economic objects of state policy.

The state's economic policy covers such objects as macroeconomic indicators, investment, inflation, and the labor market. The main regulatory instruments include tax, fiscal, and monetary policies. The state regulates industry, the agricultural sector, trade and innovation development. Supporting small and medium-sized businesses, attracting foreign investment, and developing infrastructure also play an important role.

Social objects of state policy.

In the sphere of social policy, targets are groups of the population that need support: pensioners, young people, families with children, people with special needs. The State develops social protection, education and health measures to ensure a high standard of living for its citizens. The main directions include improving the availability of medical services, improving the quality of education, developing social infrastructure, employment programs and supporting socially vulnerable segments of the population.

Political objects of state policy.

Political objects include government institutions, parties, electorates, and mechanisms for ensuring democracy. State policy is aimed at developing the legal system, the electoral process and ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens. Important areas are the reform of public administration, increasing transparency of government activities, combating corruption, developing civil society and ensuring political stability.

Environmental objects of state policy.

In the context of global challenges, an important area is environmental policy aimed at protecting natural resources, reducing emissions and developing a sustainable economy. The State develops programs for the conservation of biodiversity, the development of renewable energy sources, and the protection of water and forest resources. Industrial emissions are also regulated, waste is recycled, and green technologies are being developed to reduce the environmental burden.

International objects of state policy.

International policy includes interaction with other States, integration into global organizations, and ensuring national security. The main objects include diplomatic relations, international economic unions, participation in global initiatives, and cooperation in science, technology, and education. The state also implements foreign policy strategies aimed at strengthening the country's position in the global economy and politics, as well as protecting national interests abroad.

Thus, the objects of state policy are the basis for the formation of strategic directions of the state's activities. The effectiveness of public administration largely depends on the correct identification of objects, analysis of their condition and the choice of tools of influence, which allows achieving stability, development and well-being of society.