To What Extent Have Behavioural Sciences Shaped Policy Making During the COVID-19 Pandemic Analysis from Oman

Abir Al Mahdouri, Ahmed Al Saidi

Abstract: The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has led to a massive global health pandemic which caused a surge in changes to public policies adopted around the world, most notably policies related to health, travel, education, work, and freedom of movement. It is well known that a deep understanding of human behaviour can pave the way for the design and implementation of more efficient public policy. In recent years, behavioural sciences have gained considerable momentum among policymakers. This article examines the ways in which behavioural science has contributed to shaping public policies during the Covid-19 pandemic with a focus on the Sultanate of Oman.

Keywords: COVID-19, Public policy, Behavioural Sciences, Policymaking, Policymakers, Governments, Public Behaviour, Sultanate of Oman, Health, Travel, Lockdown