Joined-Up Government Through Partnership and Multi-Sector Working

Joined-up government through partnership and multi-sector working
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Introduction
Partnerships tend to be dynamic and when the stakeholders clearly understand what is expected of them are more likely to have good working conditions. Where there are robust partnerships, this ensures that the people can work together to provide more coherent responses to the identified social problems. Partnerships and multi-sector working are also promoted as they allow more coordinated efforts in improving service delivery without overlap and duplication. Other benefits include pooling of resources and expertise knowledge as well as better capacity to develop innovative approaches. However, there are also challenges with funding constraints, poor coordination among stakeholders and resistance to changes. This is a discussion of the rationale for pursuing, but also the challenges of achieving, joined-up government through partnership and multi-sector working
Rationale of achieving joined-up government
The case for partnerships and multi-sector working and enhances the coordination efforts, is most effective when the groups are included. There is a risk that when there are fragmentizing policies, the policy makers may fail to effect changes even when bringing together the stakeholders (Flinders, 2004, p. 906). Even as party politics influence the policy formulations, a holistic approach to addressing problems and issues takes into account the role of various stakeholders in addressing problems. For instance service integration occurs when the stakeholders coordinate activities for the joined-up government. In cases where there are coordinated efforts, it is necessary to be clear on what is expected for the stakeholders and this may require formal agreements, where the respective responsibilities are articulated.
Procedures detailing how to revise agreements may also be adopted since partnerships and multi-sector working can promote a culture of individual responsibility, which ties to the need for all the stakeholders to be accountable. When there are joined- up governments, the oversight policies adopted should fit in with the intended objective. This extends to creating crosscutting policies where the stakeholders and organisations, have the opportunity give their contribution while coordinating the activities. The input of stakeholders is taken into account with regard to their views, on whether the coordination is good may affect the outcome and decisions.
A clear structure and framework where the stakeholders are able to forge meaningful partnerships and multi-sector working makes it easier to share information. With pooled resources and expertise the joined-up governments face challenges to bring together as partners who work jointly to achieve the goals. Through working together the stakeholder can find solutions working jointly where there are various viewpoints to arising matters. In any case, when there is a shared vision the government officials work together on diverse projects, while making informed decisions (Considine, 2002, p. 28). Working together for various projects can be the basis for success since there is a holistic perspective taking into account the input of various st...