Can S/CRS Solve the United States Government's Interagency Coordination Challenges?
Abstract
This monograph analyses the structure of The Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) through the lens of two organizational theories: Axelrod and Cohen's complexity theory, and Walton and Dutton's Bureaucratic Conflict Resolution theory. The study assesses whether the new office is organized, staffed and empowered in a manner to allow it to coordinate interagency actors successfully in a crisis. By determining which is more influential, people or process, the study determines if the modifications to the national security policy formulation process that NSPD-44 stipulates improve the federal government's ability to integrate interagency efforts. The provisions of NSPD 44 and the capacity of S/CRS have not been tested in actual intergovernmental planning. However, it is possible to compare the extant organization theory with the organization and process associated with NSPD-44. Analysis of the data provided through interviews indicates that S/CRS staff members lack the experience of their peers throughout the community and are not able to coordinate the policy formulation effectively. Also, placement of S/CRS within the Department of State limits the ability of S/CRS officials to conduct their duties among competitors in the interagency community. The assessment revealed that the S/CRS has been placed in a position to coordinate policy but has not been granted sufficient authority. The office is subordinate both F and the regional directorates and neither is willing to empower the S/CRS. The data indicate that S/CRS and the amended policy formulation process may develop efficient tactics, techniques and procedures that will improve interagency coordination in future administrations, but that S/CRS will ultimately fail to achieve its objectives. The data also indicate that empowered decision makers wield significantly greater influence on the policies developed than the processes that the leaders employ.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484757
Entities
People
- Robert J. Bennett
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College