United Nations Case StudyOffice of Internal Oversight Services

(OIOS)

Beth Fisher-Yoshida5% Solution

October 15 & 16, 2010

Overview

• Role of OIOS in UN• Founded in 1994• Recent USG departing words at end of 5-year

term• Internal and public communication and

exposure• Feeds into negative public image and internal

discord

Un-Attracted to Conflict

6 Practices• Conflict Mapping– Complicate things– Simplify things

• Strategic Action– Build up– Tear down– Leverage change

• Post-Action Review– Decide more

Complicate Things

FavorsFavors

Wealth by dept.,

agency

Wealth by dept.,

agency

Wealth by

country

Wealth by

country

Political influencePolitical

influence

ReputationReputation

Power to bring resources to

country

Power to bring resources to

country

Country representation

Country representation

Governing bodies

representation

Governing bodies

representation

Historical representation

Historical representation

Location of HQ

Location of HQ

PersonalitiesPersonalities

Perception of equity

Perception of equity

Cronyism, favoritismCronyism, favoritism

Prejudice, discrimination

Prejudice, discrimination

Power dynamics

Power dynamics

Behind the

scenes

Behind the

scenes

RelationshipsRelationships

Decision making

processes

Decision making

processes

LoyaltyLoyalty

Type of contractType of contract

SenioritySeniority

Status of dept.

Status of dept.

Rank, titleRank, title

ResolutionsResolutions

CommitteesCommittees

Security CouncilSecurity Council

SG’s OfficeSG’s Office

192 Member states

192 Member states

HemisphereHemisphere

SG’s cultureSG’s culture

ProtocolProtocol

Simplify Things

Working DynamicsWorking DynamicsGeographical and Historical FactorsGeographical and Historical Factors

Emotions, Feelings, Perceptions

Emotions, Feelings, Perceptions Structural FactorsStructural Factors

Build Up

Tear Down

Leverage Change

Decide More

Factors for ASFactors Mom.

StatePot. For

Neg.

Pot. For Pos.

UN reputation -2 +3 -2Power dynamics +1 +2 -1Country representation 0 -3 0Effectiveness of Un programs & interventions 0 -1 +2Cultural bias -1 +3 -1Favors, cronyism, favoritism 0 +3 +3Perception of equity -2 +2 -2Role in governing bodies 0 0 +1Wealth distribution 0 +1 +1

Attractor Output

negative positive

Interventions

• GA passing resolutions, mandates• OIOS created• OIOS reports directly to SG• Personality and role of USG of OIOS with

colleagues external to OIOS• Reconfigure UN for stronger regional presence• Redefine role of GA

Suggested InterventionsFactors Mom.

StatePot. For

Neg.Pot. For Pos.

GA passes new resolutions, mandates

OIOS recreated, reconceptualized

OIOS USG personality & relationships

UN less centralized; more regionalized

Role of GA reconceptualized

Power distribution

Attractor Landscape After Interventions