Knowledge, power and politics

Abstract

In 1597, British philosopher Francis Bacon, in meditating on religion and heresies, recognised the integral relationship between knowledge and power with his statement 'knowledge is power'.Although community benefit can often be derived from sharing knowledge, Bacon's insight helps explain why politicians and their bureaucrats are often reluctant to make knowledge broadly available.The pervasive approach to sharing of knowledge within the bureaucratic and political arenas is one of reluctance.It is a measured and considered process that is carefully designed to avoid undermining the use of power.There is invariably a tension between different groups and individuals who would exercise power in the political sphere.In a liberal democracy, such tensions are exercised most obviously in the cabinet, on the floor of the parliament and in the committees.Power, however, is not restricted to those in government but can be shared by other elected members, powerful lobby groups, the media and the bureaucracy.Knowledge and understanding of issues, systems and people provide keys to successful lobbying and use of power.Furthermore, the environment in which policy decisions are taken is rarely straightforward.Edwards (2001:3) writes: 'Policy environments are full of complexities, usually involving a diverse range of players coming from different perspectives and spawning a host of unexpected events.It is therefore very unlikely that circumstance would permit anything approaching a classical rationality in the decision making process.'Edwards' contention is that a systematic approach to policy development can deliver better outcomes.Within the context of such policy process complexities, however, key players are keen to protect information.Information might persuade others to a view that does not sit easily with the perspective that they bring to the policy process and must therefore be protected for use in a manner that suits their own purposes.Although hoarding of information to reinforce political positions is common, sharing of knowledge is not foreign to the political process and has been well established in the parliamentary committee inquiry process.One of the great strengths of parliamentary committees has been their ability to find information and knowledge and to share it through appropriate reporting of their findings

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