Government and Constancy of Purpose

[Jonathan Siegel <jmsiegel@yahoo.com>]

We often hear in fashionable business magazines that
Japanese management methods are inefficient. The basis
for the inefficiency, we are told is that Japenese
culture puts too high a price on loyalty. Personal
relationships are allowed to interfere with business.
This drags down productivity. So we hear.

We also often hear it said that government could
benefit from American management methods. This, we are
told, would improve its efficiency.  For the first
time, we are thinking about applying these methods to
the conduct of our foreign affairs. No longer is it to
be taken for granted that our relationships with other
nations are to be based on loyalty and trust. Instead,
it is proposed that they be conducted in a
business-like manner, based on incentives, rewards and
punishments. 

Those contemplating such a move should consider the
following:

According to Professor Russell Ackoff, the average
life expectancy of a Fortune 500 corporation is 20
years. If we manage in a similar manner, we have every
reason to expect a similar outcome.

If we want a different outcome, we need to do
something different.

Jonathan Siegel