The Evolution of Public Service: Balancing Innovation with Good Governance
11 juni 2024
In recent years, there has been a noticeable influx of young public servants into government roles in Curaçao. According to some opinion makers in this group, this new generation brings a fresh perspective and a drive for innovation, challenging the long-held stereotypes of public employees as lazy, incompetent, or unproductive. I state that, however, the journey towards an efficient and responsive government involves more than just new faces and ideas.
According to this influencer of the new generation, the perception of public employees as inefficient often stems from past experiences where governmental systems lacked the drive for values, innovation, and productivity. Historically, many public sector appointments were politically motivated, often ignoring the necessary preparation and qualifications for the roles. This has led to a general distrust and low expectations from the public.
According to this same writer, things have begun to change. Today, most political leaders and public servants are better prepared and bring a professional approach to their roles. This shift is visible in several improvements within public services, such as enhanced service windows and information desks. However, despite these advancements, systemic issues remain.
The reality is that the level of preparation of politicians and civil servants has dropped noticeably, and the new reality is that only family, friends, and party-related people are appointed. Often, they need to figure out what government is all about.
People often need to remember or be taught that good governance goes beyond having competent individuals within the system. It requires the entire system to be responsive, transparent, and accountable. While values and innovation may drive the new generation of public servants, the overall responsiveness of the government remains a concern. This is particularly evident in areas like inequality and economic development. Curacao is the poorest country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and healthcare, roads, and the island are filthy, to mention a few.
For instance, the recent decision to abolish press conferences points to a lack of transparency and open communication with the public. Such moves hinder the government's ability to engage with and respond to the needs of its citizens, undermining the principles of good governance.
One crucial aspect that the new generation of public servants must embrace is the value of historical knowledge and experience. Previous generations have encountered and learned from various strategies and their outcomes. For example, early retirement schemes were historically implemented to reduce costs and increase efficiency but always failed to achieve these goals. Ignoring these lessons risks repeating the same mistakes and perpetuating inefficiencies.
It is essential to recognize that the metrics for success in the public sector differ from those in the private sector. While private companies focus on profit margins and customer satisfaction, public sector success is measured by mission fulfillment, involvement, consistency, and adaptability. However, this distinction should not justify poor performance. The public sector must strive to meet high service delivery and efficiency standards, even if the metrics are different.
Recent reports, such as the one in the "Antilliaans Dagblad" on June 11, 2024, indicate a significant increase in public sector costs. This means that the strategy of early retirement has failed again. This trend suggests that the current administration, including the public servants, needs a clearer vision and understanding of effective public administration. Such increases in costs highlight deep-seated inefficiencies that need to be addressed through strategic planning and informed decision-making.
The evolution of public service requires a balanced approach that values both innovation and historical wisdom. While the new generation of public servants brings much-needed energy and fresh ideas, a significant amount of work is still needed to ensure the government is truly responsive, transparent, and accountable. Good governance is a continuous work in progress, requiring the integration of new perspectives with the valuable lessons of the past. And also the theoretical and normative baggage. Only then can the public sector meet the people's expectations and needs.
Miguel Goede
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