Government can assist the growth of social capital by supporting and helping create networks and contributing to these at a community and agency level. It can also ensure that its policies nurture this growth. However there is high potential for conflict between community and Government as to what are the best policies to ensure the growth of social capital towards a more cohesive society. The difficulties and stresses of preserving access for all New Zealanders to education, health services, affordable and adequate housing, and employment, in an time of economic rationalisation with all of the tensions between demand and supply is the great challenge of the day. An Illinois academic, Professor Snavely, observed that there seem to be a number of influences that impact upon the exchange between citizen and Government.
Government agencies have limited control over selection of policy goals and target customers.
Government agencies possess the authority to force citizens to become customers and be the recipients of services Government agency activity is largely devoted to the dispensing of services intended to benefit all citizens, not just selected groups Citizen payment for government services generally is not in direct relation to type and amount of services received. Whilst a Department or Government agency will have a hand in determining broad organisational goals the selection of services, and hence customers, is by varying degrees out of the agency's control. In the New Zealand Public Service selection of outcomes is finally is determined by the purchase of outputs through an agreement between the Portfolio Minister and the Chief Executive. This will only be resolved by getting more clarity, more specificity, about desired outcomes and development of appropriate measures. Also, whilst Government agencies should focus in on providing be on services that benefit the overall community, not just sectorial interests, politicians with an eye to re-election may well sponsor legislative or service initiatives intended to profit their constituents and satisfy powerful lobby groups.