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How to write actionable policy recommendations.

By Nyasha Musandu 16/07/2013

When writing a policy brief, there are many things one has to consider: The language has to be just right, not too technical but professional. The length has to be brief yet informative and most of all it needs to speak to a pre-identified and targeted audience.

The policy brief has become the ‘go to’ tool in facilitating evidence based policies. The policy brief seeks to inform the decision maker of policy options that are evidence based, robust and will achieve the desired result in various scenarios. With the creation of each policy brief we hope that maybe, just maybe, we will get the right policy maker to read our compelling arguments, experience a eureka moment and spearhead the process of creating sound and effective policies with our research as their sword.  Unfortunately, policy influence rarely happens in this manner. What you have to try to do is identify your policy makers’ problems and give him/her actionable policy recommendations.

Here are some simple things to consider to ensure that your recommendations are practical and actionable.

1 .   Ensure that you have identified your target audience beforehand. Understanding who your audience is and what their job entails is crucial. What is their sphere of influence and what change can they implement?

2.   Be very clear about what the current policy you want to change is.

3.   Set the scene: Identify the shortfalls of the current policy. Where is this policy failing, why and how can your recommendations improve the status quo?

4.   Be aware of how policies are made: remember that government policy actors are interested in making decisions that are practical, cost-effective and socially acceptable.

5.   If you are suggesting change ask yourself: What specifically needs to be changed? How will this change come about? What resources will be needed? Where will these resources come from? What is the overall benefit to both the policy maker and society in general? If your recommendations include these components they are much more likely to garner the required change.

6.   The word actionable suggests that your recommendations should be active. Try using language that is active rather than passive. Words such as use, engage, incorporate etc.

7 .   Keep your policy recommendations short. Identify 3 recommendations and elaborate on these. Pick the three that are most practical and relevant for your target audience then focus on presenting these in the most actionable way.

8 .   Make sure your research supports your recommendations. This may sound very obvious but policy makers will want to know that the evidence supports your assertions. Where you are providing an opinion, not supported by research, make this very clear.

9.   Ask yourself, is my recommendation viable? Does the recommendation seem feasible?

References:

·       Global HIV/AIDS Initiatives Network, 2008. Policy Brief Guidelines.

·       Community – Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Network Coordinating Team. Guidelines for writing a policy brief.

·       FAO. Food Security Communications Toolkit .

·       MEASURE Evaluation, 2009. Making Research Findings Actionable: A quick reference to communicating health information for decision making .

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Writing Policy Recommendations for Academic Journals: A Guide for the Perplexed

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Author Daniel Byman

How can scholars write effective policy recommendations? Despite the potential importance of academic work to the policy debate, many scholars receive little training on why and how to make policy recommendations. To remedy this problem, here are steps to guide scholars as they begin developing policy recommendations for their articles. 

Daniel Byman, "Writing Policy Recommendations for Academic Journals: A Guide for the Perplexed," International Security , Vol. 48, No. 4 (Spring 2024), pp. 137–166. 

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Home » Research Recommendations – Examples and Writing Guide

Research Recommendations – Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research recommendations are a critical component of academic and professional studies. They provide actionable insights and propose future directions based on the findings of a research project. Writing effective recommendations requires careful analysis, clarity, and relevance to the research objectives and outcomes. This guide explains the importance of research recommendations, offers practical examples, and provides a structured approach to writing them effectively.

Research Recommendations

Research recommendations are proposals or suggestions that stem from the findings of a study. They outline steps for addressing identified gaps, improving processes, or exploring new areas of inquiry. These recommendations are often directed toward specific stakeholders, such as researchers, policymakers, or practitioners, to encourage actionable outcomes.

Importance of Research Recommendations

Including recommendations in a research report or thesis is essential for:

• Bridging the gap between research findings and practical applications.
• Guiding future studies to build on the current research.
• Providing stakeholders with insights for decision-making and policy formulation.
• Highlighting the broader relevance and impact of the study.

Clear and well-formulated recommendations ensure that the research contributes meaningfully to the field and addresses real-world challenges.

Types of Research Recommendations

1. practical recommendations.

These suggestions focus on real-world applications of the research findings.

• Example: “Healthcare providers should implement training programs to improve staff awareness of mental health issues among adolescents.”
• Purpose: Practical recommendations offer actionable steps for professionals or organizations to address issues identified in the research.

2. Policy Recommendations

These recommendations are aimed at policymakers and emphasize the need for regulatory or legislative action.

• Example: “Governments should enforce stricter regulations on carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
• Purpose: Policy recommendations advocate for systemic changes to address societal or environmental challenges.

3. Research-Based Recommendations

These propose areas for further investigation to address gaps or limitations in the current study.

• Example: “Future research should explore the long-term effects of virtual learning on student engagement and academic performance.”
• Purpose: Research-based recommendations encourage the continuation of scientific inquiry.

4. Methodological Recommendations

These focus on improving research methods or processes for future studies.

• Example: “Researchers should consider using longitudinal designs to better understand the relationship between workplace stress and productivity.”
• Purpose: Methodological recommendations aim to refine approaches for more robust and reliable outcomes.

Examples of Research Recommendations

Example 1: education research.

Findings: Online learning platforms were effective in delivering education but lacked engagement for younger students. Recommendation: “Developers of online learning platforms should integrate gamification techniques, such as interactive quizzes and reward systems, to enhance engagement among primary school students.”

Example 2: Environmental Research

Findings: Urban green spaces improve air quality but are limited in high-density areas. Recommendation: “Urban planners should prioritize the incorporation of vertical gardens and rooftop greenery in city development plans to maximize environmental benefits in high-density urban areas.”

Example 3: Healthcare Research

Findings: Patients with chronic conditions benefit from personalized care plans, but many healthcare providers lack access to necessary tools. Recommendation: “Healthcare institutions should invest in electronic health record (EHR) systems with capabilities for personalized care planning to improve patient outcomes.”

Example 4: Business Research

Findings: Remote work increased productivity but negatively impacted team cohesion. Recommendation: “Organizations should adopt hybrid work models that combine remote work with regular in-person team-building activities to balance productivity and collaboration.”

Steps to Write Research Recommendations

1. review research findings.

Analyze the key findings and conclusions of your study to identify actionable insights. Ensure that your recommendations align with the research objectives and address the primary issues raised.

2. Identify the Audience

Determine who will benefit from or act upon your recommendations. Tailor your suggestions to the needs and interests of your audience, such as policymakers, practitioners, or fellow researchers.

3. Prioritize Relevance and Feasibility

Focus on recommendations that are directly relevant to your study and feasible for the intended audience to implement. Avoid overly broad or unrealistic suggestions.

4. Use Clear and Specific Language

Write recommendations in a concise and actionable manner. Specify what should be done, by whom, and how it can be achieved.

• Weak Recommendation: “Something should be done to address air pollution.”
• Strong Recommendation: “Local governments should implement low-emission zones in urban areas to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle traffic.”

5. Justify Your Recommendations

Provide a rationale for each recommendation by linking it to your research findings. Explain why the recommendation is important and how it can address the problem or gap identified in your study.

6. Categorize Recommendations

If you have multiple recommendations, organize them into categories, such as practical, policy, and research-based, to improve clarity and readability.

7. Conclude with a Call to Action

Encourage the audience to act on your recommendations by emphasizing their significance and potential impact.

Writing Guide for Research Recommendations

• Example: “Our study found that students in underfunded schools are less likely to have access to quality STEM education resources, leading to disparities in academic achievement.”
• Example: “Governments should allocate additional funding to schools in low-income areas to improve access to STEM education resources.”
• Example: “This intervention can address educational disparities and increase opportunities for students to pursue STEM careers.”
• Example: “This funding could be used to train teachers, purchase laboratory equipment, and develop extracurricular STEM programs.”
• Example: “By investing in STEM education, policymakers can foster innovation and economic growth while reducing educational inequities.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Vague Recommendations: Avoid general statements that lack actionable details.
• Unrealistic Suggestions: Ensure your recommendations are practical and achievable within the constraints of your audience.
• Ignoring Stakeholder Needs: Tailor your recommendations to the specific goals and capacities of the target audience.
• Failing to Justify Recommendations: Always connect your suggestions to the research findings to enhance credibility.

Research recommendations bridge the gap between findings and real-world impact, offering actionable solutions for addressing challenges or advancing knowledge. By crafting clear, relevant, and well-justified recommendations, researchers can ensure their work contributes meaningfully to their field and benefits stakeholders. Whether addressing practical, policy, or research-based needs, effective recommendations demonstrate the value of the research and its potential to drive positive change.

• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods . Oxford University Press.
• Silverman, D. (2020). Interpreting Qualitative Data . Sage Publications.
• Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research . Wiley.
• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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