Why Use a Consensus Process?
For a government agency, department, or official who is
charged with solving a complex issue, a consensus process
may make sense for several reasons:
- An issue is not getting addressed and the costs of indecision
and uncertainty are mounting for everyone.
- The consensus process can shorten the list of disagreements
or clarify issues for decision- makers.
- The department, acting alone, could make an unpopular
decision that parties will challenge or resist.
- The parties may need each other's continued cooperation.
Benefits
The use of consensus-based processes has become an increasingly
important component of governmental decision-making. The reasons
for this growth vary, but a few factors stand out.
First, consensus-based processes have proven successful in
a wide array of applications, particularly where several agencies
or levels of government have jurisdiction, power is fragmented,
and there are a variety of stakeholders with conflicting views.
Second, the public is demanding more say in the policy making
processes of government, which has accelerated the use of
consultation and consensus-building as a way of working out
decisions that can be implemented. Consensus-based approaches
have the advantage of building agreements that last. The focus
on collaboration and seeking mutually acceptable outcomes
contributes to improved understandings among participants,
which in turn enables them to work out differences and arrive
at better solutions. These consensus-based approaches are
increasingly being viewed as a cornerstone in efforts that
call upon governments to be more effective and efficient.
Advantages:
- Greater information sharing and superior communication
among crucial parties.
- Greater public awareness and involvement.
- Provides a "reality check" to agencies and other
interests.
- Encourages discovery of more creative options.
- Increased compliance with more practical rules.
- More cooperative relationship among crucial parties.
- Increased certainty of outcomes for all involved.
- Rules on complex subjects that are clearer, more accurate
and specific
- Reduces likelihood of political challenges.
- Reduced post-issuance contentiousness and litigation.
- Can enhance the sense of fairness and equity in the decision
making process.
Some Drawbacks:
- Premium on early coordination
- Greater short term resource outlays
- Compression of internal review schedules and greater importance
of intra-agency coordination and communication.
- Some additional expenses.
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