Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector EP#146: Thinking smarter: Evidence, bias and better public decisions
How do public servants make smart decisions when time is short and the stakes are high?
In this episode, host David Pembroke is joined by two leading experts in organisational decision-making: Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Management, and Alessandra Capezio, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Australian National University. Together, they explore how public servants can make better decisions by combining data, research, stakeholder input, and professional experience.
The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing instinct and evidence in fast-paced environments, the risks of relying on heuristics and cognitive biases, and the importance of cultivating a culture that supports critical thinking and evidence-informed practice.
Key tips:
- Use multiple sources of evidence to support decision-making. Avoid relying solely on personal experience; combine organisational data, scientific research, stakeholder perspectives, and expert judgement.
- Challenge cognitive biases. Recognise common pitfalls like solution fixation and authority bias, and ask critical questions to uncover root causes.
- Build capability and culture. Equip teams with the skills and shared language to critically appraise evidence, even under time pressure, and foster leadership that values evidence-based practice.
Show notes:
- Evidence-based tools and resources | Center for Evidence-Based Management website
- Online course on evidence-based management | CEBMa
- EBDM support, short courses and bespoke offerings | Associate Professor Alessandra Capezio via ANU
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