Upload
dinah-collins
View
214
Download
2
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Communication standards
Elena SerranoMaputo, November 2008
Definition Principles, policies and behaviors of
excellent quality that are set as a target and to which all government communication must conform
They have to be agreed on by the practitioners, be aligned with the public’s expectations and reflect the values of the culture
They have to be set in writing and disseminated widely throughout all government agencies
The public “Government communications has to
be driven by the views and needs of the public. Government communication succeeds when it puts the public first. Get this right and you have effective communication.”
The Phillis Report on Government CommunicationUK, 2005
The process “We need to move on from a culture of
announcement where the Minister makes an announcement once all the policy development has been done to a culture of explanation where communication informs all stages of the policy making process using research and consultation to inform and refine our thinking”.
Howell James, Under Secretary for Government Communication, UK, 2006
Role of communication standards Serve as guidelines for language,
practices , attitudes and behaviors of those involved in government communications
Ensure that government is visible, accessible and accountable
Reflect citizens’ expectations of public servants: honesty, dedication and competence
Basic principles Provide accurate, timely, relevant and
understandable information to the public about its policies, programs, services and initiatives
Use a variety of methods to communicate, and to provide information in formats that accommodate the needs of all citizens
Engage with the public when establishing priorities, developing policies and planning programs and services
Foster a corporate and collaborative approach between and among government departments and agencies
Behaviors to promote Be open to receive questions and inform Focus on information that accommodates needs
of citizens Be accessible to media and public within
possibilities Be willing to respond, or get back to interested
party with required information Use simple and direct language Prioritize local language and local content Apply policy of no secrets with exceptions when
specifically required Speak with one voice, for consistency and trust Cooperate with media making their job easier
Behaviors to avoid Promotion of officials instead of information Delay in responding or delivering information Aloofness, stonewalling, indifference Arrogance and defensiveness Discrimination among media for non
strategic reasons (e.g. ideological) Discrimination of those who oppose policies
or actions just for that reason Exclusion of other citizens or organizations
which might have an interest or make a contribution
Practices that reflect standards Increment and deepen presence in districts and
community radios Assure local languages are used when necessary Involve cooperation of civil society organizations,
treat their participation as an added value Promote availability of senior officials to the media to
inform and respond, in accountability mode Use a diverse menu of communication tools: print,
broadcast, web Give necessary importance to web based information Promote partnerships with organizations and
institutions which bring expertise and broaden reach
Discussion Which would be the desirable standards
for the communication of the government of Mozambique?
Who is responsible for its setting and dissemination across government agencies?
Who would be responsible for its enforcement?
Which would be the desired outcome of the practice of these standards?