Do Civil Service Systems Impede Improved Performance?

Careers in Government (op-ed by Howard Risher)

Government performance has been seen as a problem possibly forever, but the federal Department of Government Efficiency has triggered a renewed focus at all levels of government. Recent reports suggest the number of states with similar initiatives is growing. But if history is repeated, the results will not be impressive.

Stuck Between Gut Feel and Data Overload

LinkedIn (David Ndaa)

“One pattern I’ve observed in many organisations — regardless of industry or maturity — is the tension between intuition-led decision-makingand data-heavy systems that yield little insight.”

Do Performance Systems Tied to Budgetary Consequences Weaken Over Times?

Public Management Review (Gated article)

Stringent systems rely on severe standards and consequences as well as the comprehensive measurement of performance. The authors challenge the belief that performance models remain either static or become more rigid and posit that system stringency is a function of learning over time through use. Systems may start as more stringent but stagnate later. The study draws on 16-year panel data on performance-based funding in U.S. higher education.

Resource of the Week:  Anticipatory Governance Guidelines

Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (free download)

Anticipatory governance, which integrates strategic foresight, experimentation and innovation, is essential for navigating today’s complexities and achieving inclusive, people-centered transformations. However, OECD research indicates that the systematic use of anticipatory governance in government is not widespread, and its processes are insufficiently connected with policy development and innovation. This working paper aims to bridge this gap by providing guidance for public organisations on using anticipatory governance to improve resilience and address complex challenges.