Strategy in the Public Sector

The public sector is experiencing tremendous pressure for strategic change. Governments in many countries require public sector managers to be more responsive to the public and to deliver more value with constrained budgets. Members of the public also face change, and look to their public sector organisations to provide efficient and high quality service, while adapting their activities in a complex and dynamic world. Strategy in the Public Sector provides guidance to managers who have responsibility for delivering increased levels of efficiency and innovation and accountability. It shows how strategic changes can be made through realigning and increasing the capacity of the public sector organisation. It shows how managers are now handling strategic changes in the context of public policy, favouring pluralism of service delivery systems and partnership working. Based on the practical experience of managers in local government, central government, health services and education, the book presents insights, lessons and examples from many countries on both sides of the Atlantic that help bring about effective strategic change. Strategy in the Public Sector has been written for anyone who has a role in modernising the public sector and requires a practical guide in making strategic changes that are both responsive to the public need and sustainable.

A Model of Effectiveness. Assessing the Organisation. Paying Attention to Politicians. Issue Management. Vision. Involving Managers and Employees. Installing Management. Engaging Others in the Organisation with the Vision or Strategic Intent. Focus and Align. Stabilising and Ensuring Targets are Achieved. Involving the Public. Partnership Working. Opening Up. In Touch with the Public. Bibliography. Index.