Managing Public Organizations Lessons from Contemporary European Experience

Embodying a major review of progress of new management initiatives in the European public sphere, this Second Edition of Managing Public Organizations meticulously examines the role of the public manager and the organization of public bodies. Using real-life examples, the authors show the potential for change and the problems that have to be overcome. The material in this edition is almost entirely new and provides more extensive coverage than its predecessor. The two primary areas of focus are the public organization and the public manager. What should the organization look like? What are the opportunities for change? What should be the role of the public manager? What special problems arise from public accountability and political control? The volume offers no easy answers to these questions. It rejects the notion that there are `formulas′ for management innovation or that `easy wins′ can be had by applying general rules from private sector management. Throughout the emphasis is on developing a concept of management that is appropriate and workable in public organizations.