850 words (9 minutes reading time) by Lancing Farrell

The need for a new paradigm in local government in Victoria has been mentioned in a few posts recently (see 241 – Rate capping – the final words (from our future), 253 – Minds Change: My Journey to Transform Local Government Performance, and 261 – Reinventing Local Government). Model collapse, as described by Carole Parkinson and Tim Whistler, signals the end of an existing paradigm. This raises critical questions about the current paradigm in local government and the need for change. A recent podcast in the Reimagining Government series by the Centre for Public Impact, ‘What on earth is a paradigm shift?’, discusses paradigms and provides insights and practical tips for those wanting to bring about transformative change.

Defining Paradigms

The podcast features host Adrian Brown and Professor Toby Lowe from the Centre for Public Impact, Henk-Jan Dekker from the International Centre for Environmental Research and Development, and Jessica Studdert from think tank ‘New Local’. Drawing on the work of Thomas Kuhn and Margaret Masterman, a paradigm was defined as a ‘grand explanatory narrative for how a part of the world works’.  It operates on metaphysical, sociological, and exemplar levels, shaping perceptions of what exists and what should be valued. Understanding how paradigms work is crucial for those seeking systemic change in local government.

The Role of Paradigms in Progress

Paradigms serve a practical purpose in explaining why progress isn’t always incremental and smooth, and why occasional step changes occur. A paradigm helps us turn data into meaning when it fits into an existing narrative, however, when we find out that the data doesn’t fit, we start to question the validity of the narrative. A new narrative is required and a step change occurs.

To initiate a paradigm shift, it’s essential to understand the existing paradigm. Paradigms have ‘gatekeepers’ whose power is derived from acceptance of the narrative. Consequently, any attempt at paradigm change is usually met with resistance.

Identifying the Gatekeepers in Victorian Councils

It is important to consider who are the gatekeepers of the local government paradigm. Council Watch in Victoria raises concerns about the concentration of power with council CEOs, asserting that they wield excessive influence without sufficient accountability. Elected representatives, on the other hand, they say have too little power, leaving them vulnerable when CEOs act against community interests. They believe that the community itself lacks the power to ensure their needs are met. Professor Lowe contends that a change in power dynamics signifies a shift in paradigm, affecting governance and accountability structures, which leads to change in the paradigm. Who has the power to change the local government paradigm?

Reframing Problems for an Emotional Response

Paradigm change requires reframing problems in a way that elicits an emotional response. The podcast cites the example of cycling in the Netherlands, where the paradigm in street design shifted from efficiency for motorists to prioritising safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This reframing garnered support from experts, the media, and policymakers, resulting in a social movement linked to national identity. The engineers designing streets changed their thinking and their behaviour. When decision makers think differently, they behave differently, and the system starts to change.

The Power Question in Paradigm Change

Jessica Studdert from New Local describes ‘community power’ as the basis for paradigm change. As shown in the Netherlands, this could be the outcome from a social movement. This power, gained through collective action, is rooted in the belief that individuals have the best insight into their needs. By giving communities more power, services can be tailored to better meet their needs. Studdert illustrates this with a poignant example of how the lack of community power in health services has led to choices that are more illusory than real. People can choose a hospital for treatment but when they arrive the treatment available at each hospital is standardised and can’t be personalised. The way they interact with the system remains unchanged despite the introduction of choice. It seems strange that a paradigm shift is required for government to provide people with the services they need and are paying for.

Questioning the Logic of the System

Both Studdert and Professor Lowe argue that a paradigm shift involves questioning the logic of the system. This involves reevaluating how success is determined, the accountability mechanisms in place, the sources of funding, and how performance is understood and recognised. They highlight the propensity for governments to ‘mark their own homework’, which reinforces the existing paradigm. They acknowledge that pockets of excellence often exist in government but caution that they do not indicate transformative or systemic change and they can be quickly lost. It raises the question of what a successful council looks like? What measures would tell you they are high performing and successful? Who is really accountable? Who knows.

 The Key to Paradigm Shifting is System Governance

In conclusion, the key to paradigm shifting in local government lies in changing the governance of the system. This involves challenging ingrained beliefs, questioning established norms, and empowering communities to actively participate in shaping their future. The podcast provides a useful roadmap for those seeking to navigate the complexities of paradigm change and work towards a more responsive and accountable local government paradigm in Victoria.

‘What on earth is a paradigm shift?‘, Centre for Public Impact, 2023