Community and decision-making BUISNESS

  I have considered the ideologies present in New Zealand and offer a way forward to think in a

systematic, relational and holistic way to make better decisions for better outcomes.

I summarise the ideologies below:

·         Classical liberalism 1789-The West: A capitalism centered on free markets and the pursuit of individual self-interest; individual flourishing; minimal state interference; peace. Parliamentary democracy with minimal state action.

·         Conservatism 1789-The West. Strengthened communal life – nation, communities, families; continuity of traditions; building civic virtues; strengthen sources of meaning and belonging. Parliamentary democracy with potentially greater state action and authority.

·         Social democracy 1848-The West. A social capitalism, marked by greater harmony of interests, mixed economy, equality, and security.  Parliamentary democracy (with greater scope for state action in the interests of society/nation.

·         Socialism 1848-The West, spreads to the non-European world in the 20th century. End of class and state; direct democracy; from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs. In theory, a new form of direct democracy. In practice authoritarian state control.

·         Social liberalism 1890 The West. A social capitalism; reducing inequalities; eradicating poverty, crisis, unemployment; growth, social peace, national progress. Parliamentary democracy (but with greater role for state intervention)

·         Far-Right-1920 Europe, but global diffusion. A reborn, harmonious, and purified national community; national sovereignty; entrenchment of national values; duty to nation.  Authoritarian state.

·         Environmentalism-1960’s The West, increasingly globalized. Sustainable development; stewardship/partnership in the natural world; reduction of scale. Parliamentary democracy (but important role for state and regulation in the interests of future generations and the natural world)

·         Communitarianism. 1980-The West, especially USA. Strong, vibrant communities; strong feelings of belonging; shared meanings and purposes.  Parliamentary democracy (but potentially more devolvement of power to locality and federation)

·         Cultural progressivism 1990-The West. A dynamic capitalism that embraces both individual freedom and equality of opportunity; social peace; recognition of difference; cosmopolitanism.  Parliamentary democracy, with better representation of minorities; affirmative action to create true meritocracy.

The major political parties combine ideological elements from several different broad ideologies. Across these party divides and across several different ideologies, though, we find some important commonalities - appeals to the common good and the improvement of life together through participation in decision making. (Source Victoria University of Wellington)

For my part I provide my “Better Decision better Outcomes” (BDBO) approach, a systematic, relational and holistic way of thinking to make better decisions for better outcomes. I

·         have applied BDBO with the local leaders of Newlands to improve suburb resilience (here)

·         offer my BDBO training through the Victoria University of Wellington here.

·         offer coaching to apply BDBO in organisations, district and regions (here). If you’re interested to chat, please book a free appointment here

WE need a public value decision system that enables government to participate with resilient communities to achieve vision by thinking together using their different strengths, resulting in measurable benefits and eliminate systemic poverty. Government needs to consider its role in building resilient communities so those communities can in turn speak with their voices into the decision-making process, providing valuable local intelligence. That approach needs to be a holistic, systematic, and relational. WE need to courageously and transparently navigate the ambiguity of difficult conversations by intentionally leaning in to listen and learn from each other, to build trust and confidence, to set a vision and identify the best public value, affordable and achievable way to achieve that vision. Over the past 8 years I have developed my “Better Decision Better Outcomes” (BDBO) approach to develop placed based portfolio business cases in New Zealand and overseas.