Interagency is relatively recent as a term, yet as a concept, it has been in practice to varying degrees for as long as nations have had governments, fought wars, engaged in international commerce, or extended diplomacy. What is arguably a recent expansion of the interagency concept is the level of inclusiveness—that is, the broader scope of who is invited to participate in interagency activities. Also recent is the compulsion to use it, be it by leaders, for policies, or just from a plain “need” to employ an interagency approach to decision making and problem solving.

Assignment Guidelines

• In 5–6 paragraphs, address the following:
  • What is your current understanding of the fundamentals of interagency relationships? Explain.
    • Consider horizontal relationships between federal agencies as well as vertical relationships between federal, state, and local agencies in your response.
  • What benefits do you think can be realized through effective interagency relationships? Explain.
  • What consequences might occur because of ineffective interagency relationships? Explain.
  • What 1 organization do you think should have the most responsibility regarding the formation and evaluation of interagency relations? Why?