Remodeling: A Way to Strengthen the Department of Homeland Security Internal Management and Partnering Capability
Abstract
Since its inception in 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been chartered with the vital mission of orchestrating a unity-of-effort approach among a variety of organizations in the homeland security enterprise and across government to protect the homeland from threats to our way of life. After nearly a decade championing the homeland security mission, DHS appears to be at an inflection point in its short history, wrestling with where it has been, and using lessons learned to determine its way ahead. Multiple U.S. Government Accountability Office reports state that DHS remains at "high risk" of failure due to internal and external management challenges. To holistically address these risks, the author proposes a conceptual framework to remodel the current DHS organization and create a Homeland Security Integration Element (similar to that of the Department of Defense [The Joint Staff model]) to act as the focal point for integrating internal DHS operations and facilitating interagency coordination and collaboration across the government. The findings of this research suggest that DHS needs to integrate its internal resources management activities, enhance its organizational culture so its workforce can perform more efficiently and effectively, and improve the way it integrates its capabilities with other stakeholders throughout the homeland security enterprise. The recommendations include the establishment of a Homeland Security Integration Element, an Interagency Liaison Office, and National Security and Homeland Security professionals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA581083
Entities
People
- Brian E. Griffin
Organizations
- National Defense University