Why Change Management in Government Is So Difficult
Governments (local, state and federal) often have very large budgets, and they're responsible for providing the best services and value for the taxpayer’s dollar while working with many constraints. Unfortunately, these and other complexities make most governments inefficient and less effective.
Historically, government organizations resist change and are generations behind the private sector in their business processes and technology.
There’s a reason these public organizations are often likened to vast, intricate “machines.” Governments share several features with autonomous systems:
- Generalist employees and leaders stretched thin by competing demands
- Outdated and rigid processes that are difficult to change
- Numerous independent parts and siloes that must work together
- Operations based on a manual of procedural precedents
- Resistance to change and innovation
All of this makes governments an easy scapegoat when things go wrong.
Considering this, it’s no surprise that many public-sector organizations struggle to meet their objectives during change.
The Prosci approach to change in the government sector involves building individual awareness and capacity to change and scaling it up to teams and departments.
By understanding and addressing the inherent complexities and resistance within government structures, we pave the way for smoother transitions, enabling governmental bodies to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Why the Public Sector Is Embracing Change Management
Governments at all levels realize the inevitability of large-scale change, but the scale is still daunting. These large organizations must navigate numerous transitions across four key dimensions: technology, organization, operations and market.
Technological change
The digital era has ushered in a wave of new technologies that promise enhanced efficiency and innovation.
Governments are tasked with integrating advanced technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, and automated decision-making systems into their existing frameworks. These could be internal changes like overhauling a payment system or updating the public web portals people use to submit taxes.
Amid these changes, public employees often forget that it’s about more than upgrading technology: They’re transforming how governments operate and serve their citizens.
Organizational structure change
Government entities frequently encounter shifts in leadership and structure—whether it’s a change in administration or consolidation of agencies. After so much change, a passive culture of “this too shall pass” can develop, limiting engagement and increasing barriers to adoption.
These issues, coupled with budget constraints and the need for greater citizen engagement, require a flexible and responsive approach. Effective change management helps people smoothly transition through shifts of all kinds, ensuring continuity and stability.
Operational change
The “machinery” of government is undergoing a metamorphosis. Citizens no longer want to wait years for their representatives to roll out new platforms. They expect seamless digital experiences in all aspects of life.
There's a growing trend towards adopting Agile methodologies and focusing on improving user interfaces in government digital services.
These operational changes are vital for governments to stay relevant and responsive to the needs of the public.
Market change
Governments must adapt to evolving policies, regulations and socioeconomic conditions. Factors like an aging workforce, retirement waves, and global events like Brexit or the COVID-19 pandemic have profound implications.
Navigating these market changes requires foresight, planning and adaptability. Most importantly, they require fast implementation.
These public sector institutions must build up change capability to move as quickly as their private sector counterparts.
Achieving these changes is no small feat. It demands structured change management methodologies that streamline the transition and ensure that the outcomes are effective and sustainable. This is where the Prosci structured approach to change management becomes invaluable.
Building change capability with the Prosci Methodology
The Prosci Methodology goes beyond mere theory—it’s battle-tested from over three decades of application across public and private sector environments. It offers structured processes and tools to build change capability within government departments.
Most importantly, organizations that consistently apply excellent change management to projects and initiatives are 7X more likely to meet or exceed project objectives.
Correlation of Change Management Effectiveness With Meeting Objectives
How government departments benefit from change management
The Prosci Advisory Solutions network comprises seasoned change experts, many of whom have direct experience working in government agencies across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Their expertise is grounded in real-world applications, offering insights and strategies that are both practical and effective.
Build Cross-Department Capacity for Change
Adopt a people approach for an effective change strategy that eliminates setbacks. Contact Prosci today for more support on adopting change in the public sector.
