Organisational memory serves as a cornerstone for political organisations, encapsulating the wealth of data, information, and knowledge amassed over time. It holds the key to unlocking future successes by learning from the past. Let’s see how political organisations can turn their historical insights into a strategic advantage, ensuring a vibrant future while drawing from the rich lessons of their collective past.
The challenge of building a shared historical narrative
Many parties in Europe face the challenge of lacking a long, shared history. This situation is particularly pronounced in Eastern Europe, where the political landscape is dotted with relatively young parties. In fact, the oldest of the “old” parties are usually around 40 years old. Let’s take Hungary for example, where the ruling Fidesz party which everyone connects with traditions, long-standing dominance and lasting political success (originally standing for Fiatal Demokraták Szövetsége, i.e. Alliance of Young Democrats) has just turned 36 years old – being founded in 1988. Other ‘historical’ Hungarian parties, such as MSZP (Hungarian Socialists) – although being the successor party of MSZMP (the state party of socialist pre-1989 Hungary) – is also officially 35 years old. The now non-existent SZDSZ, the liberal force of the Hungarian system change was active for about ca. 20-21 years. DK, one of the leaders of the opposition: not even 13. And the newest force in Hungarian politics, most likely (by now) one of the strongest opposition forces to Orbán’s Fidesz government: Tisza Párt led by Péter Magyar: de facto less than 2 months old.
Still, the lack of a lengthy historical record can be overcome by actively seeking out opportunities to share experiences and previous lessons learned with one another and building on the experience that members bring from their previous political or business engagements. This could be done in a format of platforms, based on similar interests within the party, preferably focused on actual policy topics. Through these groups, your party members can create huge data banks and shared skill sets based on common interests that can be later turned into active policy making.
Celebrating collective achievements: a pillar of political milestones
Recognising and celebrating your party’s historical milestones cultivates a culture of reflection and gratitude. From the triumph of a first campaign to the significant election of party representatives, anniversaries are important. for such communities. By cherishing these previous events, you are able to create a culture of gratefulness, which can be later turned into creative positive energies that can help your party keep its spirits and morale high through rougher times.
The elders council: bridging generations of political wisdom
To create and foster a positive culture of organisational memory, create an “elders council” within your party. These can be like-minded external thinkers and thought leaders who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with your group. Later on, it’s a great way to keep ex-members close to your party or those that might not want to stay in the front lines of everyday political struggles and battles, yet support your organisation in other ways.
And believe me, one thing politicians do love is someone caressing their ego. What better way to do that than appointing them to an advisory board of sorts, that helps your organisation. You must be careful that these advisory boards do remain advisory in nature, and not operational. Consider creating these positions only with minimal compensation so they cannot be seen as simple ‘parachute destinations’ for those who are not able to keep up with the everyday hurdles of politics. This not only creates a bad external image, but overpaid positions could be damaging internally as well. If done right, they will provide you and your party with huge benefits and political know-how.
An example of an ‘elders council’ as such was what the EPP (European People’s Party) brought to life, they called it an Evaluation Committee, and their sole purpose was to decide the fate of Fidesz’s membership in the supernational European party. This political body was chaired by Former President of the European Council and Former Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy (Belgium) and composed of Former European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pöttering (Germany) and Former Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel (Austria).
They had multiple meetings with prominent members of Fidesz, including PM Viktor Orbán, and while this process was taking place Fidesz “suspended its membership”. Although in the end the mediation process was unsuccessful, and Fidesz drew back (or was forced out of) the EPP in 2021, through the establishment of this process there was still a dim ray of hope, that disagreements could be resolved in a manner that would satisfy all members of the EPP. They managed to capitalise on the knowledge and wisdom of the EPP’s greatest minds and former political leaders.
Strategically utilising organisational memory for future success
Tapping into organisational memory and maximising its benefits can be a very powerful tool for your political organisation, but make sure you do it right and you only use it as a tool not as an escape. But by understanding their own history and learning from past victories and defeats, parties can position themselves to achieve even greater results today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.