January 28, 2009

Organizational Charts and Policy Outcomes

The organizational chart of another country’s foreign ministry might seem to be just about the most boring reading that any diplomat could ever be required to do. But in fact, these charts should never be ignored because they can provide important insights not only about how other countries view one’s own but also about how these ministries process information and even how they take policy decisions. And those who ignore them do so at their own risk – and at the peril of their countries.

The organizational chart of another country’s foreign ministry might seem to be just about the most boring reading that any diplomat could ever be required to do. But in fact, these charts should never be ignored because they can provide important insights not only about how other countries view one’s own but also about how these ministries process information and even how they take policy decisions. And those who ignore them do so at their own risk – and at the peril of their countries.


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