Bridges To Knowledge: A Blog by Barry Camson

Open Government IS Cultural Change

I recently delivered a training program for the U.S. Intelligence Community on how to effectively transfer knowledge. This program was delivered during the period of time when the Intelligence Community was migrating from the Cold War mentality of "need to know" to the 21st century mentality of "need to share." 

Government as a whole is about to embark upon a similar change to that which the Intelligence Community encountered. This is as a result of the President's Memorandum on Open Government. The President's Memorandum calls for openness, participation and collaboration in government organizations. The culture of government organizations will have to change. This cultural change includes the behaviors, attitudes, assumptions, values and norms of these organizations. The President's Memorandum on Open government makes tangible what will be required for government to succeed in the future.

Transparency and Openness in Government

In my work with a variety of Federal Government clients over the last several years, I have noticed the desire for more transparency and openness at many organizational levels. Organization leaders and members have become aware of the negative impact to organizational operations and morale when important decisions impacting the organization are handed down without setting out cogent reasons or made without some forum for input, clarification and feedback.

I am heartened by President Obama's "Memorandum For The Heads Of Executive Departments And Agencies" which sets out his goals for a more transparent and open government. The President stated, "We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation and collaboration." The initiatives by the Obama Administration are very timely for organizations that already recognize the improved performance and organizational well-being that can result.