Process and outcome

Once again I'm going to offer a less than startling revelation: the way that decisions are made affects the decision taken. In other words, process shapes outcome.

Both process and outcome are important in and of themselves. The way they relate is also important.

To call something democratic is to say that 'the people' had power over the decision. However this concept can translate into practice in so many different ways. The very essence of the concept of democracy is contested. The democratic model employed will therefore affect the decisions taken, but because no one wants to stand up and say they are against democracy, debate about changing process is a democratic organisation, such as a Sutdents' Union, becomes about who can succesfully capture the term democracy. This can be clearly seen from recent proposals to significantly alter the way NUS operates.

Being a Union officer is obviously about making decisions, and therefore there are numerous proceses to put in place to make sure decisions are taken in an appropraite way.

For my post budgeting is a big one. Part of budgeting is proposing budgets for student committees and various processes have been employed to do this in the past. If you're part of a committee and you have feelings on how this can be done to effectively suit you then please be in touch. The process starts from the new year.

Maybe that was a little bit self-indulgent for a blog on the last work day before Christmas, but I'll end by wishing you a Merry Christmas and a good holiday. Hope revision goes well if that's what you'll be doing (that's one thing about studying I don't miss!).

Cheers,
Pete