Interview
Interviews With…
Robert Knisely, ESQ
Lowell Christy, Ph.D.
Doug Carmichael, Ph.D.
Carson Eoyang, Ph.D.
Interviewed by Valarie C. Lamont, Ph.D.
Q. Bob, initially you introduced the idea of creating an electronic newsletter which would use new tools to improve decision-making, particularly at the federal level. That idea has now evolved to a website or portal called Designing Government. What are you trying to accomplish with the Designing Government portal?
A. Bob. I see Designing Government as having several purposes. First, it would increase awareness of the needs, successes, and opportunities for improving the responses of governments (governance) to societal concerns, here and abroad.
Second, would be to increase pressure (institutional and public) on governments to design their INTERVENTIONS with greater care and foresight, leading to ACTION at the federal and state levels.
Finally, this work would institutionalize design of government, whether in public, private or academic settings, which involves funders and followers.
Ultimately, we need to increase Awareness, creating Action, supported by Funding and leading to Institutionalization.
Q. Lowell, as discussions on Purpose continued, you expanded on Bob’s ideas. Please describe.
A. Lowell. I see the Purpose as severalfold:
First, DGForum serves as a SUPPLY CHAIN OF IDEAS linking theory to tools to tactics, representing the levels of ideas and increasing the intelligent design and operation of governing institutions.~
Next, to become the Source for ACCESS TO IDEAS, TOOLS AND PRACTICE for reforming governing at all levels of State Craft, building the Nation's voice and citizenship.
The pursuit of this work should upgrade perceptions of problems and critical distinctions challenging DEFAULT 19th and 20th century solutions.
I would also expect that, over time, we would be building an international network of thinkers and doers in a conversation of KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND TRANSFER.
Q. Bob, from a “What is the Problem?” standpoint, you frequently refer to a quote by Madeleine Albright, “People are speaking to their government with 21st century technology, we are listening with 20th century technology and responding with 19th century policy.” How can government do better?
A. Governmental responses to perceived societal problems must be designed to succeed, at minimal cost and disruption, with concern for the larger systems involved and in accordance with best practices around the world. The design of government is not a lost art – it is an undiscovered science. Even with good intention, successive administrations have created too many programs are designed to fail.
So here is what should be happening. Whenever a governing body (local, national, or international) seeks to respond to a societal concern, it must seek to understand the concern in great detail, choose wisely from a complete toolkit of responses, focus upon the details of the tool chosen, and provide the resources needed to implement the response. Anything less is likely to fail, and in doing so it will affect the perceived capabilities of the governing body, resulting in diminished trust by its citizens.
Q. Lowell, what would you add to Bob’s ideas on Problem?
A. Lowell. I would say that the DGForum Portal invites you for~a conversation. We~only ask for two things. We want your voice as a citizen, as a government~employee and a policy maker to gather and use our~collective intelligence to make governing think again. We want your Hands to move beyond pontification and~build a better Nation "Of the People, By the People and For the People." Lend us your words and hands so pride in our hearts can make America a better Home for ALL.
Q. Bob, you’re talking about complex problems which exist within complex systems.
(Not sure I want this question here)
A. Yes, and I am talking about Complex adaptive systems~(CAS) which are special cases of complex systems. They are~complex~in that they are diverse and made up of multiple interconnected elements and~adaptive~in that they have the capacity to change and learn from experience. Examples of complex adaptive systems include the~stock market, the~biosphere~and the~ecosystem,~manufacturing businesses~and any human social group-based endeavor in a cultural and~social system~such as~political parties~or~communities. (Wikipedia, edited)
The important point is that these systems are shaped by those who use them and they can be changed, not only by individuals but also by groups.
There is a progression re Bob’s e-mail which suggests more interview questions but those questions may be better located under another content area such as “Tools”. The following are some questions which may stay in this “Interview” category.
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Q. Bob, you have worked with many different programs and agencies over your 40 year career. Why do you think that now is the time to call on those experiences to create Designing Government?
A.
Q. Who would be most interested in accessing and participating in this portal?
A. Generally, those with an interest in government, and who are preferably active. I would point out that that the audience is not solely discipline based. We need to go beyond lawyers, cyberneticians, economists, etc.
More specifically, I would include legislators, government employees, policy types, to name just a few.
Q. What differentiates Designing Government from other attempts to address critical problems and improve decision-making?
A. Lowell
