Have you ever thought of your company or your government as a system?
This toolkit by the GOV.UK's Policy Lab UK is a useful tool for understanding the complex nature of government action.
It acknowledges the various elements that are involved in government functioning, such as influencing, engaging, designing, developing, resourcing, delivering, and controlling/managing.
These are important aspects of the government system that work together to achieve effective governance.
It is important to note that this toolkit is not an exhaustive set of options, as there is always more complexity and nuance that can be found in government. ( I know, I worked in Gov for a while)
However, the emphasis on considering how multiple levers are used together to address complex problems seems to make sense.
When examining the vertical axis of the framework, it is interesting to note that it follows from softer, more collaborative power at the top, down to more formal government power at the bottom of the axis.
It acknowledges the need for different approaches depending on the problem at hand.
As for the question of whether a company could see itself as a system, the answer is yes. Like the government, a company is made up of various elements that work together to achieve a common goal. This includes aspects such as leadership, organizational culture, employee engagement, and resource allocation.
By understanding a company as a system, it is possible to identify areas of strength and weakness and develop strategies to improve overall performance.
I'm curious if anyone has used this tool in the private sector or something similar to map out their company as a system.
Professor Andrea Siodmok OBE Hon DCL FRSA - would love to know how this has changed since you shared it in 2020
#behavioraleconomics #servicedesign #digitaltransformation