Vinnicombe S, Harris HPeople Management, (UK), 6 Jan 2000 Vol 6 No 1

Start page: 28. No of pages: 2

Reports UK research that has looked at why the evidence that women possess the skills to be successful managers and leaders is being ignored by many organizations. Blames the informal organization for this, arguing that this, rather than formal organizational policies, is the main influence on promotion decisions. Identifies three areas in which the informal organization has influence – the selection processes used in internal appointments where informal recommendations are routinely used to identify promotion candidates; the definitions of success which result in women being seen as less ambitious; and the reputation of women for being less committed than their male colleagues.

Read more on A GENDER HIDDEN…

The Civil Service is using the exchange of people as one way to breakdown barriers between the different parts of the public sector as well as those between the voluntary and private sectors. The Interchange scheme promotes and encourages the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other sectors of the economy.Interchange takes many forms, including secondments, mentoring, non-executive appointments and joint training opportunities. Any organisation of any size from anywhere in the UK can take part.

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There is growing interest across the world in the way public services in the UK are being radically changed. The Publicnet website is a barometer of the increasing attention being given to the change programme and a steadily rising number of overseas visitors are registering their interest in e-government, education and health reforms and improving performance. To meet this demand Publicnet and the British Council are collaborating to bring the daily news and information service through Publicnet Briefing to a growing list of countries. Christine Skinner of the British Council said: “Using Publicnet is the easiest and quickest way to keep up with front-line developments in the UK public sector and one of the keys to getting the main message of the overall governance agenda.”British Council offices overseas forward the daily e-mail to their contacts in government offices, universities and business schools with an interest in the management of public services.

Read more on WORLD WIDE WATCH ON UK MODERNISATION…