Systems thinking, politics vs. government LO9402

BrooksJeff@aol.com
Fri, 23 Aug 1996 14:51:41 -0400

Debbie Broome (LO9348, 96-08-22) writes:

Obviously, the major difference between the public sector and the private
sector is the profit motive. But look deeper at what drives that motive.
In the private sector, decisions are made based on the preferences of a
large number of people (i.e. the more people buying the product the more
profit--product discontinued if no profit). In the public sector decisions
are driven based on the preferences of a small number of people. As Ben
puts it...politicians respond to seemingly insignificant issues. I have
watched many a public meeting where the squeaky wheel did indeed get the
grease.... My point is this: the fact that government responds to small
groups on
relatively "insignificant issues" is all of our responsibility. Government
leaders rarely if ever hear from the public when things are going well. Why
are we not participating? Even at the local level where it is still
possible to make a difference...Speaking as one government employee, we'd
sure like to hear from the masses once in a while versus the squeaky wheel.
We might be able to address some of this fragmentation. >>

Debbie,

I think the reasons for not participating are probably varied. Someone once
said something like "politics is the mobilization of resentments". I don't
think that is completely true, but when things are going OK a lot of people
won't want to take the time to make sure that things keep going OK.

I'm also struck by the contrast between low citizen participation in public
meetings vs. the obsessive poll-taking that candidates engage in. I don't
know what to make of the difference (I'll think about it), but just wanted to
point it out.

-Jeff (BrooksJeff@AOL.com)

-- 

BrooksJeff@aol.com

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