Strategy: the difference between ends and means, a permanent confusion of the Government

We can observe a pattern of recurrent behavior in this government and those who support it. It is a complex and worrying pattern. It is a question of deliberately concealing the absence of clear leadership, specifically in the formulation of objectives, goals and tasks, by means of highlighting and publishing the rules of conduct, forms or procedures that are to be used, but that do not constitute goals or objectives. Two sample buttons:
The Ministry of the Interior and Public Security surprised us with the entry of indications to revive the separation of obligations from its ministerial portfolio with the creation of the Ministry of Public Security and Citizen Coexistence, which will have two undersecretaries and 16 regional ministerial secretariats. This new ministry will have the task of solving the number one problem of Chilean society: crime, insecurity and public order.
So far, although we have a new bulge of the state bureaucracy, we could say that the insecurity in our country is of such magnitude that it deserves trained, well-organized people with exclusive dedication to solve this tremendous problem. Well, the statements at the press point were responsible for dashing any hope of this happening. After pointing out that this new ministry will have “a clear, transversal axis, in matters of gender as well as in Human Rights”, there is no doubt that this Government makes the mistake of not defining clear objectives for the new organization, but stays stuck in formulas of how to act and does not put the emphasis on where it should be, what we are going to do to solve security problems that are experienced in much of Chile and why this new organization will do better than what already exists.
Our Carabineros are going to have their curricula changed and the law establishes that it will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Security that the new curricula are approved by real “experts” in the fight against crime: the Ministries of Women and Social Development, which are dedicated to solving other problems we have in Chile. We see how the emphases on procedures disorient and confuse regarding the solution of the problem to be solved, or of the problem itself.
There are paragraphs of indications regarding the political control of the police, by all possible means, entry, promotions, education, training and training, acquisitions, technology, budgets, etc. The only thing that is not explicit is what these transformations are made for. How do these efforts contribute to solving the number one problem of Chilean society?

On the other hand, on August 4, 2022, an opinion column entitled “Chile: multilateralism and National Defense” is published in this medium. Again it falls into the same mistake pointed out above, since multilateralism, which is one of several possible forms of partnership in international relations for the achievement of national objectives, is elevated to the category of end in itself.
There is nothing wrong and, moreover, it is very desirable to propose that the action of state entities must be framed in compliance with human rights and gender equity legislation, or in the use of multilateralism as a convenient means and in line with the Chilean tradition, but something very different is to pretend that by the fact of respecting human rights and gender equity or by act on the basis of multilateralism, the appropriate leadership is being exercised, it will be possible to solve the main problems that affect Chilean society or that we have a clear and guiding policy or strategy.
It is clear, then, that the Government does not have much idea of how to solve the problems, does not know where it should lead the State, and does not even have clarity in the diagnosis and definition of the problem to be solved, but that as long as human rights are respected, there is gender equity and action is taken within the framework of multilateralism, everything is fine and there is nothing to fear as far as public security is concerned, that the National Defense will fulfill its objective of protecting sovereignty, territory and the national interest, and that Chile will be a better country.

It is time to be clear that all public policy and strategy must have clear objectives, well defined, with deadlines and measurable. These objectives, when met, provide a comprehensive solution to the problem being attacked. These objectives should not be confused with the means that are used or with the way in which they are used, because the objectives are the guiding element of the effort to be developed. If it is not understood, it is easy to predict what will happen to the government and the leadership that is expected of them.
Finally, the confusion between means, forms and ends is something quite common and sometimes happens even in the best organizations, although it is not something desirable or expected to happen at the level of political leadership of a Government, because of the consequences that this has for the inhabitants of the countries they govern. If you still do not understand how to establish a successful strategy or policy, it is recommended to go back to the basics and use Simon Sinek’s golden circle, which forces you to ask yourself in order of importance: 1) Why (purpose)?, 2) How (the process)? and 3) What (result)?

Follow us on

The content expressed in this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.

Original source in Spanish