GEO Brasil - UNEP

A redesign of the institutional structure towards resuming
a planning approach in the government requires not only a
mandate for this role to be played, but also a political
proposal that this activity be developed in accordance with
democratic principles.
Another challenge to be addressed at institutional level is a
need to change the way institutions, most notably public
institutions, are traditionally perceived. Several studies have
tried to demonstrate that institutions should be considered
as independent variables, and not as a mere reflex of a given
reality. They should also be viewed as entities that
dialectically shape and are shaped by the individuals in them.
Most importantly from this perspective is that an institution
is not only a locus where individuals make arrangements to
perform roles established by successive new decisionmakers
through structures and flowcharts developed
according to principles that are limited to a good
administration.
In view of that, there is a crucial task to be pursued. That
task is the search for institutional stability, aiming to
capacitate public institutions to perform their roles and
functions more efficiently. This stability refers not only to
the organisational aspect, but also to the redemption of
individuals in these institutions who make them the locus
of formulation and implementation of public policies.
Finally, another challenge in the institutional context refers
to the design of institutional arrangements. These make
possible the participation of large segments of society in
the decision-making process. On the other hand, they make
possible the organisation of forums that allow for
consideration of opinions from different participants and
spokespersons at the same level of importance and
consideration.
introduction
Much more than that, institutions play essential roles,
namely by transforming individuals into citizens so that
they can operate in accordance with appropriate rules of
conduct, and also by raising awareness of moral and
intellectual virtues of politics. A citizen knows the
institutional reasons for specific conduct, and can justify
this conduct under the requirements of an established order.
This order is not to be understood as inflexible, backward,
and immutable rules. It is important to point out that the
concept of institution adopted here encompasses elements
such as cultures, religions, laws and regulations. It also
includes a more limited and specific level, namely that of an
organisation or company.
8. Some Preliminary Considerations
Considering this perspective, an organisation must not be
subject to permanent changes and alterations. This is due
not only to the fact that constant changes result in a
breakdown in the structure of functioning rules and
routines, leading to a loss of institutional identity. It is also
due to the fact that the immediate result of any organisational
change is an inefficiency element in its operation, regardless
of the type or nature of the occurring change.
21