Policies are often viewed as rigid rules that must be followed without question. Meanwhile policy is a course or principle adopted by an individual or organisation.
The recent unrest in Los Angeles over President Trump’s immigration policies highlights the importance of considering the human impact of policy decisions.
The movie ‘Straw’ by Tyler Perry offers a powerful illustration of the consequences of policies without empathy.
Policies without empathy: A recipe for disaster
The movie ‘straw’ tells the story of Taraji (Janiyah Wilkinson), a single mother who works diligently to care for her child with medical needs. Despite her hard work and responsibility, she finds herself caught in a situation that seems daunting. This story demonstrates the devastating consequences of policies that prioritise rules over people.
The purpose of policies
Policies are designed to prevent and mitigate abuse but they should not be implemented in a vacuum. They must be balanced with empathy, compassion and understanding.
When policies are applied without considering the human impact, they can lead to unintended consequences that harm individuals and communities.
The importance and need for human-centric policy
Taraji’s (Janiyah Wilkinson’s) story shows the need for empathy in policy implementation.
Despite her hard work and responsibility, she finds herself caught in a situation that seems insurmountable. All she asks for is understanding and compassion.
This highlights the importance of putting humans at the centre of policy decisions.
The role of human resources in policy
In every aspect of life, whether at work, home or in society, policies should be implemented with empathy and understanding. Recognising that humans are at the centre of every decision can help us create more effective and compassionate policies.
Conclusion
Policies are essential but their implementation requires empathy and compassion.
By prioritising human needs and understanding, we can create policies that support individuals and communities, rather than harming them.
Recommendations
- Implement policies with empathy and compassion.
- Consider the human impact of policies.
- Foster a culture of understanding and support.
- Recognise the importance of human resources in policy implementation.
By adopting these principles, we can create policies that are more effective, compassionate and supportive of individuals and communities.
