Proposed transformation in government management

A significant transformation is needed in government management in terms of its approach, means and tools. The desired management approach relies on professional studies and scientific analysis of situation and cause-effect relationship.

Government management to conduct future shaping in a very constant and prudent manner. Towards factual and informative approach to public policy making and decision taking. Towards government approach that enhances the follow up of execution processes and accountability for any low performance. Management to search root causes of problems and resolving accordingly in a very logical sustained way.

To exit out of the current situation, I suggest the following seven-pillar approach:

Firstly: Start by identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) at the national (macro) level that cover all areas of government mandate and functions, analysing these KPIs for the past five years and setting up ambitious achievable targets for the upcoming five years.

Secondly: Achieve the targeted levels of KPIs through developing and implementing policies, decisions and actions. Ensure efficient and effective implementation activities through having very active monitoring and evaluation system and processes on the ground.

Thirdly: Understand fully that there are no solutions ready for all challenges. Tackling and resolving these challenges are the role of capable leaders in charge. Attracting, appointing and empowering high calibre and talented people is the ideal way to find and apply solutions for the current and potential challenges and obstacles.

Fourthly: Start by understanding the big picture and constantly move from macro level to micro levels with allocating concern and time wisely based on the results and impacts. The right starting point is setting goals and objectives and then very carefully develop related programmes and projects to achieve objectives. Executing programmes and projects without knowing their contributions to desired goals affects the efficiency and utilisation of resources including time and efforts.

Fifthly: Understand the linkages between different aspects and areas of government functions and duties in addition to co-impacts of aspects, policies and decisions. To develop integrated comprehensive solutions that take into account all types of impacts. Taking into account short- and long-term direct and indirect impacts.

Sixthly: Refer to the big picture and the potential overall impact while dealing, treating and managing segments or details.

Seventhly: Adopt long-term strategies and policies and ensure that short-term policies and actions align with long-term ones. This is to avoid the need to back away and change these which thereby create confusion that is reflected in the level of public trust.

This suggested management approach is for the benefit of decision makers in governments on how to achieve targets and sustain balanced good performance in such challenging and changing environment.