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Peer Learning in Peer Learning in Government NetworksGovernment Networks

Strengthening Public Expenditure Management in

Europe and Central Asia

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What I would like to do:What I would like to do:

1. Explain why Peer Learning is important

2. Explain how Networks can enhance learning and performance in government

3. Give examples of Networks and activities that PEM-PAL can learn from

4. Provide ideas for you to consider in shaping the PEM-PAL program

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When do adults learn the most?

Individual LearningIndividual Learning

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Focusing on ReflectionFocusing on Reflection

Source: Kolb’s Learning Cycle

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Peer ReviewPeer 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.

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Lessons on Peer ReviewsLessons 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

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Learning in GovernmentLearning 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

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South Africa: South Africa: Networking for Public Sector Networking for Public Sector PerformancePerformance

“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

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The Value of NetworksThe Value of Networks

Organization

Individual

Better, faster problem solving

Reduced time and costs

Improved quality of decisions

Improve individual performance

Direct access to expertise

Confidence building

Sense of belonging

Benchmarking with other institutions

Increased retention of talent

Catalyst for partnerships Forum for expanding skills and expertise

Network for keeping abreast of a field

Enhanced professional reputation

Short term Long term

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Types of Government Types of Government NetworksNetworks

1. Enforcement Networks

2. Harmonization Networks

3. Information Networks

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Information NetworksInformation NetworksCreated 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)

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ECANet: ECANet: A Regional Network of Social A Regional Network of Social FundsFundsStructure 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

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Inter-American Inter-American Center for Tax AdministrationsCenter 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)

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What Networks Do: Ideas for PEM-What Networks Do: Ideas for PEM-PALPAL► 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

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What Does PEM-PAL Need to Do?What Does PEM-PAL Need to Do?Lessons from Successful NetworksLessons from Successful Networks

1. Focus on topics important to the business of network members

2. Find a well-respected member to coordinate the network

3. Get key thought leaders involved4. Build personal relationships among members5. Develop an active and passionate core group

(champions)6. Make it easy to contribute and access the

network’s knowledge and practice (technical)

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Challenges to OvercomeChallenges 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

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Moving PEM-PAL Forward: Moving PEM-PAL Forward: Stages in Developing a NetworkStages 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