From WWII Efficiency to Modern Government Failure: The Rise and Fall of Systematic Improvement
2025-02-11
This article examines the history of US government efficiency reform, contrasting the success of the Bureau of the Budget's Work Simplification program during WWII (using flowcharts to improve processes) with the failure of the Clinton administration's National Performance Review (NPR). While the NPR achieved some technological advancements, its neglect of frontline worker participation and focus on short-term gains ultimately weakened institutional capabilities. The article argues that effective government reform requires systematic approaches, prioritizing frontline worker involvement and sustained capability building, rather than superficial changes.