FCC's Innovative Approach to Regulation Through Organization Redesign

FCC's Innovative Approach to Regulation Through Organization Redesign

In response to new legislation increasing the regulation of the cable
industry, the Federal Communications Commission was faced with the task
of creating a bureau of 240 out of an existing branch office of 20
people.  The unit is designed with a flat management style, divided into
divisions with no branches.  Each team consists of professionals,
lawyers, economists, etc; to provide a one-stop shopping for industry,
consumers and local governments.  All team members can handle any issue
or question that arises, and teams are empowered to recognize problems
and find solutions on their own.  The unit undertook extensive customer
outreach, running seminars to help local governments and franchise
authorities learn the new regulations.  The goal was to regulate in
partnership, and insure that each side understood its responsibilities.
The unit also released orders over the Internet, and provides cable
operators with disks of preformatted spreadsheets so the calculation of
data is easily done.  A fax line has been set up so that operators can
fax in data forms which the Bureau will calculate and return to the
cable operators.

From:  Mary Beth Richard
Organization:  Federal Communications Commission
Location:  Washington, D.C. 
Telephone:  (202)418-1000