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Peer Learning in Government Networks

This conference explores the importance of peer learning and how networks can enhance learning and performance in government. It provides examples of networks and activities that PEM-PAL can learn from, and offers ideas for shaping the program.

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Peer Learning in Government Networks

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  1. Peer Learning in Government Networks Strengthening Public Expenditure Management in Europe and Central Asia PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  2. What I would like to do: • Explain why Peer Learning is important • Explain how Networks can enhance learning and performance in government • Give examples of Networks and activities that PEM-PAL can learn from • Provide ideas for you to consider in shaping the PEM-PAL program PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  3. Individual Learning When do adults learn the most? PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  4. Focusing on Reflection Source: Kolb’s Learning Cycle PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  5. Peer Review An assessment of the work of network members by other members. Peers should perceive themselves as being at the same hierarchical level and give recommendations in a helpful and congenial way. PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  6. Lessons on Peer Reviews • Use a moderator, structured processes and stick to the process chosen • Be cooperative, supportive and non-judgemental • Be as honest as you can (learn from mistakes) • Be alert to and respect differences in culture, gender and professional orientation PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  7. Learning in Government “A learning government is a government continuously learning from its successes and failures, capable of constantly reforming its structure, processes and policies to reflect new knowledge and insights.” Source: Knowledge Management Challenges for the Public Sector, OECD PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  8. South Africa: Networking for Public Sector Performance “By means of learning networks, annual conferences and other initiatives, the program facilitates the sharing of good practices among the staff of government agencies in order to enhance organizational performance in the South African public sector.” Source: World Public Sector Report, 2006 PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  9. The Value of Networks • Benchmarking with other institutions • Increased retention of talent • Catalyst for partnerships • Better, faster problem solving • Reduced time and costs • Improved quality of decisions Organization • Improve individual performance • Direct access to expertise • Confidence building • Sense of belonging • Forum for expanding skills and expertise • Network for keeping abreast of a field • Enhanced professional reputation Individual Short term Long term PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  10. Types of Government Networks • Enforcement Networks • Harmonization Networks • Information Networks PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  11. Information Networks Created and sustained by the valuable exchange of ideas, techniques, experiences and problems. • Collect and distill info of members into best practice • Exchange information about each other – concerning competence, quality, integrity and professionalism • Examples: • OECD Working Party of Senior Budget Officials • Regional Network of Social Funds in the ECA Region (ECANET) • Inter-American Center for Tax Administrations (CIAT) PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  12. ECANet: A Regional Network of Social Funds Structure and Purpose: • Organized in 1998 at the first regional conference in Armenia • Rotating, self-financing, voluntary Secretariat • Started with 7 member countries, and expanded to 14 • Goal: regional cooperation, learning and exchange of information between participating funds Activities: • Regional conferences • Regional training seminars and workshops • Internship program to exchange specialists working in different Funds • Study tours • E-bulletin and publication of papers PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  13. Inter-American Center for Tax Administrations Structure and Purpose: • In 1965-66, a steering committee drafted by-laws, and in 1967, a general assembly approved them • Permanent headquarters in Panama. CIAT is recognized as an international organization. • Started with 20 American member countries, now there are 36 countries (29 American, 6 European and 1 African) • Goal: to promote mutual cooperation between member countries and provide a forum for the exchange of experiences, aimed at improving their tax administrations Activities: • Organization of international meetings (annual Assembly, conferences and technical seminars) • Library and database specializing in tax-related issues • Working papers • Technical assistance services • Working groups • Models, manuals and best practices • E-CIAT • Essay Contest ($5,000 prize) PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  14. What Networks Do: Ideas for PEM-PAL • Websites with regular updates • Members/expert list and information • Info exchanges via e-mail discussion forum • Electronic newsletters • Query and answer services (i.e. Help Desk) • Electronic conferences • Annual workshops and conferences • Site visits • After-action reviews • Toolkits • Manuals • “How-to guides” • Lessons learned notes • Video conference “peer assist” • Communities of Practice • Peer reviews PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  15. What Does PEM-PAL Need to Do?Lessons from Successful Networks • Focus on topics important to the business of network members • Find a well-respected member to coordinate the network • Get key thought leaders involved • Build personal relationships among members • Develop an active and passionate core group (champions) • Make it easy to contribute and access the network’s knowledge and practice (technical) PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  16. Challenges to Overcome • Seniority and power distance (separation between high and low ranks) • Culture as an excuse (solutions are too context specific) • Feelings of superiority (between countries and/or individuals) • Time and distance • Language PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

  17. Moving PEM-PAL Forward: Stages in Developing a Network • Make use of initial enthusiasm (Warsaw 2005) • Organize a start-up event or workshop (Warsaw 2006) • Start a few concrete activities • Develop a mid-term action plan • Become operational • Agree on a governance structure • Establish back-up services (secretariat) • Develop a body or rules and regulations (agree on and write down guidelines) • Start promoting the network PEM-PAL Conference: April 2-5, 2006

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