Why is Policy Termination so Rare?

• Organizations desire to survive.
• The creation of new goals helps legitimize the organization's continued existence.
• Some programs must exist because of current laws (i.e, public education).
• It is often cheaper to keep a program going than it is to terminate it.

(Theodoulou and Kofinis, 2004, p. 206)

Reasons for Policy Termination

• The policy is no longer effective.
• The need for the program no longer exists.
• Budgetary requirements force the end of the policy or program.
• An evaluation study makes the case that the policy is unsatisfactory in impact or outcome.
• The political environment may no longer support the goals of a policy.
• Some policies or programs are terminated purely for ideological reasons.

(Theodoulou and Kofinis, 2004, p. 207)