All supporters and opponents are not created equal. It is important to consider whether or not any of these groups are part of the government s current support base. Often those who face losses from reform can be offered creative forms of compensation by grouping several various reform elements together in a single package. For example, opposition by civil servants to personnel cuts might be mitigated by a simultaneous and credible pledge to increase salaries substantially for those who remain. Similarly, key legislators might go along with an administrative reform they oppose if it is coupled with a tax reform they favor.
Creative solutions are usually highly context-specific.
However, mobilizing support is also about identifying constituencies that would potentially support reform and convincing them through various forms of publicity and promotion that the reform is worthy of public support. Creating broad societal support for reform is a powerful weapon to disarm opponents of reform. This is particularly true in democracies, but can sway political outcomes in authoritarian regimes, as well. There is a credible argument that unintentional or collateral damage is more prevalent than is commonly imagined. Generous external funding for reform may free governments from the need to consult with and obtain policy support from their own citizens.