What are the 3 points?
The three elements of engineering public value are analytical, organizational and political. These three points make up a strategic triangle—a concept originally developed by Harvard public policy professor Mark Moore. Only by attending to all three areas, can we maximize public value.
- Analytical - Analysis brings to bear economics, statistics and other sciences, ethics, wisdom, experience—all human capacities to provide good answers to hard questions. Without analysis, attempts to create public value are rudderless, haphazard, or irrelevant.
- Organizational - The fundamentals of organization—such as organizational design, supervision, communication, accountability, evaluation and culture—determine if anything actually gets done. Without organization, attempts to create public value go nowhere, create more conflicts than they solve, or cost more than necessary.
- Political - Public value efforts are inevitably accountable to a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, politicians, businesses, unions, advocacy groups, voters and taxpayers. Without a political strategy, attempts to create public value are blocked, are tied up in endless discussion, or are non-responsive to real needs.
What is "public value"?
Increasing private value is a common concept—we are familiar with the pursuit of self-interest such as when individuals maximize their own happiness or when businesses maximize profits. Public value is a benefit that accrues to society or some segment of society—it is the common good. Governments are designed to create public value, but non-profits, businesses, grassroots organizations and individuals are also key producers of public value whether it is in the form of access to healthcare, economic revitalization, educational services, protecting civil rights, promoting the arts, or environmental stewardship.
Why "engineering"?
Creating public value requires both technical science and inspired art. It is as complex as building a bridge or a skyscraper—involving planning, analysis, and coordination as well as, creativity, wisdom, and more. It requires thinking very big and paying attention to minute details. It requires difficult tradeoffs and courageous leadership. Like the buildings around us, public value is engineered in a variety of steps, with consideration to numerous variables, and often over great spans of time.
Who can 3Point help?
3Point works with clients who are seriously dedicated to improving society and who have the potential to make a significant impact. We can work with anyone with a public service agenda, including:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies and legislatures
- For-profit businesses
- Foundations
- Grassroots organizations and communities
Does 3Point specialize in specific fields?
No, 3Point specializes in all efforts aiming to create public value. We will tackle assignments in a variety of public policy areas including:
- Economic development
- Poverty and inequality
- Health and health care
- Political reform
- Education and youth
- Philanthropy
- Housing
- Environment
- Culture and arts
- Indigenous peoples
How can we enlist the help of 3Point?
Interested organizations should contact us and provide a brief description of their needs. If 3Point might be able to help, our representatives will be in contact to learn more about the project and to craft a proposal.
