The Power of Divergent Paths: Why Separating Tactics are Essential for Achieving Lasting Systemic and Policy Changes

While policy change is crucial in addressing specific issues and driving incremental progress, achieving meaningful system change requires a comprehensive, holistic approach considering systems' intricate dynamics, interdependencies, and complexities. This involves aligning policies with broader system goals, engaging stakeholders across various levels, and fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation to effect sustainable and transformative systemic shifts.

Definitions

System change refers to a fundamental transformation or reconfiguration of a system's interrelated elements, processes, and functions. It involves altering the underlying structures, norms, and behaviors that shape the system's operations to achieve desired outcomes or address persistent challenges.

System change often requires a comprehensive approach beyond surface-level adjustments, aiming to instigate substantial shifts in mindset, culture, and practices within the overarching system. Successful system change initiatives involve strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, continuous evaluation, and adaptation to create sustainable and impactful transformations.

In contrast, policy change refers to modifying, amending, or developing rules, regulations, guidelines, or laws that govern a particular issue, sector, or aspect of society. Policy change aims to address emerging challenges, improve existing practices, or achieve specific objectives within a given policy domain. It involves the revision of policy frameworks, decision-making processes, and resource allocation to respond to evolving needs, priorities, or external influences.

Policy change can result from various factors, including shifts in public opinion, changes in government leadership, new research findings, or societal demands for reform. Effective policy change requires careful analysis, stakeholder consultation, implementation strategies, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.

Policy Change May Not Always Lead to Broader Systemic Transformation

While essential for addressing specific issues or concerns within a system, policy change may not always lead to broader systemic transformation. Several factors contribute to the limitations of policy change in achieving comprehensive system change:

1. Surface-Level Solutions: Policies often target immediate problems or symptoms within a system without addressing deeper-rooted structural issues or underlying cultural norms that perpetuate systemic challenges.
2. Complex Interdependencies: Systems are composed of interconnected elements and feedback loops that influence each other. Policy changes in isolation may not consider the full range of interactions and unintended consequences across the entire system.
3. Resistance to Change: Existing power structures, vested interests, and institutional inertia can hinder the implementation and effectiveness of new policies aimed at catalyzing system-wide transformations.
4. Lack of Alignment: Policies may not align with the overarching goals, values, or norms of the broader system, leading to conflicts, inconsistencies, or limited impact on systemic change.
5. Silos and Fragmentation: Policies developed in isolation or within specific sectors may overlook the interconnectivity of different parts of the system, resulting in isolated interventions that do not address systemic dynamics holistically.
6. Limited Scope: Policy initiatives may focus on singular aspects of a complex system, missing opportunities to integrate multidimensional approaches that consider the interconnectedness of various components.
7. Time and Resource Constraints: System change often requires long-term planning, sustained commitment, and significant resources beyond the scope of single policy interventions, making it challenging to achieve transformative shifts solely through policy changes.
8. Cultural and Behavioral Factors: Changing behaviors, attitudes, and norms within a system necessitates more than just policy mandates; it requires shifts in societal values, beliefs, and practices that extend beyond legislative measures.

Public Distrust and Political Polarization Illuminates the Imperative for System Change

Low Trust

Public trust in the United States government has fluctuated but has steadily declined since the mid-1960s. Before this period, public trust stood within the high range of 70% to 80%. However, political events such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Watergate scandal significantly eroded this trust over the next two decades.

There have been periods of recovery in Americans' trust in the government. From the 1980s to 1990s, public trust increased to 40% due to labor and economic growth, and in the years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, it reached a high of 54% as many Americans felt a sense of unity and nationhood. However, public trust has not been able to reach its historical high before the 1960s and has since been consistently living in the low range of 20% to 25%.??

It is clear that Americans have maintained their longstanding feelings of pessimism and distrust toward the government. They feel their best interests are not supported, and there has been a failure in addressing issues that are important to them. Around 20% of Americans voted in favor of a "national divorce," where states split up into separate countries based on their Republican and Democratic leanings. Although this percentage is too small for actual legal separation, it highlights the deep polarization and lack of optimism in political cohesion among Americans.?

High Polarization

The political climate in the United States is currently characterized by polarization and divisiveness, with political parties often at odds. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center , partisan cooperation is a significant problem facing the country.?

Political polarization has led to a breakdown in communication and cooperation between political parties, making it difficult to address critical issues facing the nation. The lack of cooperation between political parties has led to legislative gridlock, hindering the passage of meaningful legislation that addresses the country's most pressing issues. The study found that Americans across all political affiliations recognize this as a significant problem and are concerned about its impact on the country's future.

Trends in public trust and polarization affect the government's ability to confidently and effectively service its citizens. When these trends intersect, two scenarios result: "high trust and low polarization" or "low trust and high polarization." The former scenario is ideal for success between the government and Americans, as high public institutional trust reflects productive public policy and systems that meet citizens' needs. However, America is stuck in the latter scenario where public trust is at record lows, and words such as "corrupt," "messy," and "chaos" are regularly used to describe today's state of politics.?

The political climate has also contributed to economic concerns, another top problem facing the country. Americans are worried about the rising cost of living, income inequality, and job insecurity. These economic concerns are exacerbated by political polarization, which has made it difficult to pass economic policies that benefit all Americans. Studies found that Americans across all political affiliations recognize the need for economic reform but differ in their opinions on how to achieve it. The political climate has made it challenging to find common ground on economic policies, further exacerbating economic concerns in the country.

Connecting the Dots

Political polarization is closely connected to the need for system change as it highlights the deep-rooted divisions and challenges within our current political systems. The increasing polarization between different political factions often leads to gridlock, inefficiency, and a lack of cooperation in addressing pressing issues and enacting meaningful reforms. This polarization can perpetuate a cycle of distrust, animosity, and zero-sum politics that hinder progress and undermine the functioning of democratic institutions.?

System change becomes imperative in the face of political polarization as it offers a holistic approach to addressing the underlying structural issues, norms, and behaviors that contribute to this divisive climate. By reshaping the fundamental dynamics of the system, including decision-making processes, power structures, and stopping abuse of power, we can then promote collaboration, inclusivity, and transparency while reducing the influence of partisan interests and polarization.

Furthermore, system change can help break down silos, foster cross-sector collaboration, and promote a more interconnected and equitable society. By transforming the system to be more adaptive, responsive, and participatory, system change can create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, consensus-building is encouraged, and the common good takes precedence over partisan agendas. Ultimately, system change offers a pathway to reinvigorate democratic governance, restore trust in institutions, and build a more resilient and inclusive political system capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Why We Need Systemic Change, Not Just Policy Transmogrify to Address System-Induced Discrimination

Focusing solely on policy change when addressing systematic discrimination against diverse people can be problematic because policies alone may not address the underlying cultural and societal issues and personal biases that perpetuate discrimination, even among some lawmakers.?

Policies can help establish legal guidelines and consequences for discriminatory behavior, but they may not necessarily change the attitudes and beliefs of individuals or institutions that perpetuate discrimination.

Addressing systemic discrimination requires a multifaceted approach that includes policies, education, cultural change, and individual accountability. In other words, the system itself must be "uprooted."

Case in point: If the initial system design is programmed to disadvantage diverse people, no matter how good the policy (the seed) is, the system (the soil) will continuously operate in its initially designed state. Therefore, system change (fertile soil) must come before policy change (better seeds) for policies to reach their desired standard of performance in society (the plant).

Recommended Mitigations

A. Legislation must be written with racial equity and social justice in mind.

Lawmakers should create policies that have A. undergone equity audits to address historical and systemic barriers, and B. have been guided by a diverse policy impact group. This approach is especially important given the ongoing struggle for racial justice worldwide. As President Biden has noted, achieving racial equity requires a panoramic approach that includes changing laws and policies while investing in education, healthcare, and other areas to reduce inequality. Therefore, policies must be farther-reaching and deeply comprehensive in order to be of consequence in underserved communities.

B. Prioritize accountability and forecasting to address systemic issues.?

To address system inequalities, we need to increase transparency and oversight, hold decision-makers accountable for their actions, and challenge existing power structures that perpetuate inequality. By focusing on the system itself, we can identify the root causes of issues and make targeted changes with a broader and lasting impact.

Limiting private interest interference in policymaking is also essential because it ensures that policies are created to benefit the public as a whole rather than just a select few. When private interests have too much influence over policymaking, it can lead to policies that exacerbate inequality and only benefit those with power and influence.

Lastly, government officials must embrace forecasting as a critical tool for developing proactive legislation versus reactive legislation to safeguard liberties, rights, and democracy. By staying ahead of extremist political movements, evolving societal dynamics, and technological advancements, government officials can create laws that safeguard policies and mitigate future risks, fostering a resilient, inclusive, and democratic society for future generations.

C. Utilize a system-based framework for policy administration and governance.

One example of a system-based framework for policy administration is the Racial Equity and Policy (REAP) framework , which provides a set of questions and considerations for policymakers, analysts, and academics to assess the racial equity implications of policies.?

This framework focuses on examining policy processes rather than individual policies as discrete outcomes, allowing for a deeper understanding of how policies may perpetuate or address racial inequities. By integrating these elements into the system-based framework, policymakers can work towards more equitable policy outcomes that address racial disparities and promote social justice.

D. Chart a course for transformation by deploying change management methodologies.

Implementing change management methodologies within the United States Government to shift mindsets and drive systemic transformation involves a strategic and tailored approach. Here are some ways change management principles can be applied:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage key stakeholders at all levels of government, including policymakers, agencies, and the public. Create a shared vision for change, communicate the benefits of adopting new mindsets, and involve stakeholders in the decision-making process.
2. Change Leadership: Appoint change leaders within the government who can champion the transformation, inspire others to adopt new mindsets, and guide the change process effectively. These leaders should embody the values and behaviors needed for a successful mindset shift.
3. Communication Strategy: Develop a comprehensive internal communication plan that highlights the rationale behind the mindset change, addresses concerns and resistance, and showcases success stories and benefits. Utilize various channels such as town halls, newsletters, and digital platforms to reach a wide audience.
4. Training and Development: Offer training programs and development opportunities to help individuals within the government space understand the reasons for change, acquire new skills, and embrace the new mindsets required for systemic transformation. This can include workshops on unconscious bias, cultural awareness, and leadership.
5. Resistance Management: Resistance management plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of change initiatives by addressing and mitigating challenges that arise from resistance within governing bodies, organizations, or communities. By proactively identifying potential sources of resistance, understanding the underlying reasons for opposition, and developing targeted strategies to address concerns, resistance management plans can help change efforts gain traction and acceptance.
6. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish feedback loops that allow stakeholders to provide input, share concerns, and suggest improvements throughout the change process. Actively listen to feedback, address issues promptly, and demonstrate that voices are being heard and valued.
7. Continuous Evaluation: Continuously assess the progress of initiatives (using metrics, surveys, and qualitative feedback if possible). Identify areas of strength and improvement, adjust strategies as needed, and celebrate milestones to keep motivation high.
8. Cultural Transformation: Create a culture within the government space that values diversity, equity, transparency, and innovation. Foster an environment where open communication, collaboration, and adaptability are encouraged and where individuals feel empowered to contribute to positive change.?

E. Harness the right power postures to accelerate positive outcomes.

Applying the right postures of power can be instrumental in influencing meaningful change and driving systemic transformation. Here's how different postures of power can be leveraged effectively:

1. Expert Power: Utilize subject matter experts within government agencies to provide valuable insights, guidance, and recommendations on complex issues. Empower experts to lead initiatives, make informed decisions, and drive evidence-based policies that align with best practices and research.
2. Referent Power: Build strong relationships and credibility with key stakeholders, both within and outside the government space. Cultivate trust, respect, and rapport to influence others based on admiration and personal connection. Engage in active listening, empathy, and collaboration to enhance referent power.
3. Legitimate Power: Leverage formal authority and position within the government hierarchy to enact change, set priorities, and establish direction. Ensure that decisions are aligned with legal mandates, policies, and regulations to legitimize the exercise of power and maintain accountability.
4. Coercive Power: While coercion should be used sparingly, there may be instances where enforcing compliance through disciplinary actions or consequences is necessary to address resistance or non-compliance with established policies or initiatives. Ensure that coercive power is applied judiciously and in alignment with ethical standards.
5. Charismatic Power: Inspire and mobilize people within the government space by demonstrating a compelling vision, charisma, and passion for change. Use storytelling, inspirational speeches, and visionary leadership to engage and motivate others toward a shared goal of transformative impact.
6. Informational Power: Harness the power of data, analytics, and information to inform decision-making, shape policies, and drive evidence-based practices within the government. Ensure transparency, access to information, and data-driven decision-making processes to empower stakeholders and promote accountability.
7. Connection Power: Forge alliances, partnerships, and networks with diverse stakeholders, including members across the aisle, other government agencies, private sector entities, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. Collaborate, share resources, and leverage collective influence to amplify the impact of change initiatives and promote cross-sector collaboration.

Closing Remarks

System change is not about political parties; rather, it's about placing the right individuals in the appropriate roles across party lines. This is crucial for executing the effective policies already in place and instigating system change before equitable legislation can achieve its maximum impact.?

By redirecting our focus towards comprehensive transformation, actively involving stakeholders at different levels, and nurturing a culture of adaptability and innovation, we can lay the groundwork for a future where systemic issues are comprehensively addressed and genuine change is brought to fruition.

Resources

• NAIS - Taking the Long View to Eliminate Systemic Racism: A Systems Thinking Approach
• Branches of the U.S. government | USAGov
• Highly Negative Views of American Politics in 2023 | Pew Research Center
• Beyond the headlines: 8 issues we're tracking in 2023 | Brookings
• Three things we learned from the 2023 elections and the GOP debate | Brookings
• Americans Largely Pessimistic About U.S. Prospects in 2023 ( gallup.com )
• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/16/fact-sheet-president-biden-signs-executive-order-to-strengthen-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-across-the-federal-government/
• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/
• https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/financial-policymaking-after-crises-public-versus-private-interest