There is a growing movement of government changemakers around the world, who are pushing beyond the current debate about what government does, in order to address the more fundamental questions of how government should be: the beliefs, values and principles that drive government action.
Our models for government aren't working
Government models such as New Public Management are broken and in urgent need of reform.
They are based on a flawed “industrial” mindset that seeks to manage and control. As such, they don’t recognise the true nature of the challenges we face, fail to tap our collective potential to address those challenges and offer static solutions to dynamic problems.
But what's the solution?
As a result, governments around the world are facing deficits in both effectiveness and legitimacy. A deficit of effectiveness because our models of government are ill-equipped to tackle some of the most urgent issues we face as a society. And a deficit of legitimacy because people feel increasingly disillusioned with government and see it as distant and impersonal.
Making government more effective and legitimate requires more than simply changing processes and practices.
We need a refreshed vision for government founded on a new set of beliefs, values and principles.
A new approach to government built on three core beliefs
From what we’ve observed, this emergent vision for government is founded on three core beliefs:
Most of the challenges we face as a society are complex in nature. They involve many actors, interacting in a variety of ways. Outcomes are the emergent properties of these systems.
The quality of human relationships matters a great deal. We assume positive intent and trust people, sharing power and supporting each other to make the best decisions.
Progress is best achieved through experimentation and a process of continuous learning. Because change is constant, and failures are inevitable in the face of complexity, we should seek to maximise public systems’ capacity to learn and adapt.
Effective governments centre seven core values
The core values of more effective and legitimate government.
These values apply to individuals, teams and organisations and system-wide. They help to foster mutual respect and collaboration between those seeking to achieve positive social change.
because no individual (or individual organisation) can achieve sustained positive change in a complex system by themselves.
because working in the open is the best way to allow the free flow of ideas and inspiration.
because in seeking to understand others we broaden our perspective and create the conditions for stronger relationships.
because strong human relationships are built on honest, authentic connections
because this gives people the agency and motivation to act and helps create the conditions for sustainable change.
because this focuses our attention on what we don’t know and challenges us to increase our understanding.
because diversity of thought and diversity of practice accelerates learning and demographic diversity strengthens legitimacy.
The guiding principles that help shape how government should be
The beliefs and values lead to a set of principles that can help guide action. While not a complete list, this indicative set of principles – when taken together with the beliefs and values – informs how government's actions, from high-level policy to the human interactions that shape our day-to-day experience of government.
Our actions should be informed by an awareness of the system but focused on encouraging local ownership.
Devolve decision-making rights to those with the information and agency to make a difference.
Where possible encourage multi-disciplinary teams working in flat structures.
This helps create a more positive foundation for change.
This helps to promote diversity of thought and create a more inclusive conversation.
The capacity of the system to learn is more important than for someone to be in charge.
Our vision for government in action
Join the conversation
Are you already part of this growing movement to reimagine government?
Or do you want to explore a new approach to government that embraces complexity, values relationships and prioritises learning?
If that sounds like you, then get in touch to share your story.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you.