Strategy: the difference between ends and means, a persistent confusion of the Government

El Mostrador, August 8, 2022

We can observe a recurring pattern of behavior in this Government and its supporters. It is a complex and concerning pattern. It involves deliberately concealing the absence of clear leadership, specifically in the formulation of objectives, goals, and tasks, by highlighting and publishing the norms of conduct, methods, or procedures that will be employed, which do not constitute goals or objectives. Two examples:

The Ministry of the Interior and Public Security surprised us with the introduction of provisions to revive the separation of responsibilities within its ministerial portfolio by creating the Ministry of Public Security and Citizen Coexistence, which will have two undersecretariats and 16 regional ministerial secretariats. This new ministry will be tasked with addressing the number one problem in Chilean society: crime, insecurity, and public order.

Up to this point, despite the new expansion of state bureaucracy, we could say that the insecurity in our country is of such magnitude that it warrants qualified, well-organized personnel dedicated exclusively to solving this tremendous problem. However, the statements made at the press conference dashed any hope that this would happen. After stating that this new ministry will have “a clear, transversal focus on gender issues as well as on human rights,” there is no doubt that this Government is making the mistake of not defining clear objectives for the new organization, but instead gets stuck on formulas for how to act and does not emphasize where it should, what we are going to do to solve the security problems experienced in much of Chile, and why this new organization will do better than what already exists.

Our Carabineros will have their study plans changed, and the law establishes that it will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Security to ensure that the new study plans are approved by true “experts” in the fight against crime: the Ministries of Women and Social Development, which are dedicated to addressing other problems we have in Chile. We see how the emphasis on procedures misleads and confuses regarding the solution to the problem at hand, or the problem itself.

There are paragraphs of provisions regarding political control of the police, through all possible means, including entry, promotions, education, training, acquisitions, technology, budgets, etc. The only thing that is not made explicit is the purpose of these transformations. How do these efforts contribute to solving the number one problem in Chilean society?

On the other hand, on August 4, 2022, an opinion column titled “Chile: Multilateralism and National Defense” was published in this medium. Once again, the same error mentioned earlier is made, as multilateralism, which is one of several possible forms of association in international relations for achieving national objectives, is elevated to the status of an end in itself.

There is nothing wrong with, and in fact, it is very desirable to state that the actions of state entities should be framed within the compliance of human rights legislation and gender equity, or in the use of multilateralism as a convenient means in line with Chilean tradition, but it is something very different to pretend that merely respecting human rights and gender equity or acting based on multilateralism constitutes adequate leadership, that the main problems affecting Chilean society can be solved, or that we have a clear and guiding policy or strategy.

It becomes evident, then, that the Government has little idea of how to solve problems, does not know where to lead the State, and does not even have clarity in the diagnosis and definition of the problem to be solved, but as long as human rights are respected, there is gender equity, and actions are taken within the framework of multilateralism, everything is fine and there is nothing to fear regarding public security, that National Defense will fulfill its objective of protecting sovereignty, territory, and national interest, and that Chile will be a better country.

It is time to be clear that every public policy and strategy must have clear, well-defined, measurable objectives. These objectives, when achieved, provide a comprehensive solution to the problem being addressed. These objectives should not be confused with the means used or the manner in which they are utilized, because it is the objectives that guide the effort to be developed. If this is not understood, it is easy to predict what will happen with the Government and the leadership expected from them.

In conclusion, the confusion between means, methods, and ends is quite common and occurs even in the best organizations, although it is not something desirable or expected to happen at the political leadership level of a Government, due to the consequences it has for the inhabitants of the countries they govern. If one still does not understand how to establish a successful strategy or policy, it is recommended to return to basics and use Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle, which compels one to ask in order of importance: 1) Why (purpose)?, 2) How (the process)?, and 3) What (result)?

Richard Kouyoumdjian
Vice President AthenaLab