Web 2.0: coming to a government agency near you

Last week I highlighted how foundations are using new interactive online technologies to get out their message and influence policymaking. Today, let's talk government.

Government? That bastion of slow-moving bureaucracy? Embracing change? Engaging their own workers in problem solving?

The May 2008 issue of Governing magazine has a big article about how government agencies are using wikis for improve internal management, Working in Wiki. Don't know what a "wiki" is? Click here for a short glossary of some key terms they use.

Authors Perlman and Maynard explain why it's important - and why it's so challenging - for government agencies to embrace these new technologies:

The wiki world is all about making government more effective by enlarging the idea bank and making it possible to tap into the minds of those all along the job line — from workers in the field to middle managers to top brass. It's like the old Suggestion Box, only more specific, immediate and rewarding. And more challenging. The adjustments needed in terms of mindset and operations can be huge, even for the chief information officers of government agencies. They have to master the new tools, then persuade their agencies to experiment with the technologies, and then support them as they do.

They offer examples of government agencies that are on the cutting edge, from the chief information officer for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, to California's largest public health district, to the community mental health department in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Take this latter case for example - the agency is using wikis internally to keep their caseworkers updated as new information is available. Case workers can add to the wiki as they learn about new resources for clients, making that info available to their peers. Sound like something a workforce development agency could do?

Check out this article. You might be surprised to learn what other government agencies are doing.

(Thanks to Virginia Hamilton of the California Workforce Association for passing this one along!)

Comments

[Bryan Lundeen]

Yes, this is an idea that workforce development agencies could definetely benifit from. I'm a program assistant for the facility dept. and a wiki on building maitenance and improvements is an idea that I had a while ago. But realistically, most people in executive management positions are not convinced that computer technology can add to productivity. When the Internet bubble burst in the 90's it provided enough evidence that the world shouldn't rely on computer technology to produce long-term profit. But, the computer is a lot like the automobile. It took a long time to get a generation of people to switch from the horse and buggy to the car, but today everyone drives and no-one rides a horse to work. Great work Brownwyn on your blog! wish I could be as creative as you.

[Bronwyn]

Thanks for the kind words about the blog, Bryan.

I think executive managers are right to be skeptical - there's a lot of hyperbole out there about web 2.0. The challenge is to figure out what tools will help us do our jobs and provide services more effectively and efficiently. That's going to take some experimentation, and some trial and error.

Truth to tell, I actually wouldn't mind riding a horse to work every now and then.