Delivery Unit as a Key Element of Change Process in Government
The article outlines the current trend of developing the institutional mechanisms of public reforms implementation. Such model as Deliverology and a tool Delivery Unit (DU) are considered in detail. These units are essentially important for public strategy implementation and serve to facilitate dramatic change in government. It can be seen as a remedy created for New Public Management, a new wave that uses change management and strategic management methodology, focusing on coordination, communication, problem solving and stakeholder engagement tools. The author uses data from the analytical reports of international research organizations (U.S. Institute for Government) and consulting agencies (McKinsey, Deloitte etc.), World Bank research, “cases” and “success stories” of the UK, Malaysia etc. The DU deployment’s key success factors and typical mistakes are outlined. Current world practices (state-DU solutions) were estimated (including regional and local area). The framework for DU deployment is presented, it ensures: a) a limited number of clear shared priorities of public reform; b) political influence and “face-to-face” communication with the executive leader (prime-minister, president) and her/his committed leadership, c) routine procedures and “user-friendly” system of data collection and reporting; d) regular monitoring and communication regarding performance with responsible Ministers with included “on-the-spot (if appropriate)” problem-solving techniques and stakeholder involvement.