By Hal G. Rainey

This new edition provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of research on public organizations and management. Using numerous real-life vignettes and examples, the book summarizes expert analysis on goals, power, effectiveness, motivation and work attitudes, and decision making. It deals with topics such as total quality management, privatization, and managing for excellence. Drawing on a comprehensive review of current research about government organizations and managers–and about effective and ineffective practices in government–it offers specific suggestions for managing these challenges in today’s public organizations.

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Private sector involvement in delivering public services requires the development of a new ethos. This argument is put forward by the New Local Government Network in a report by Rod Aldridge, Executive Chairman of Capita Group Plc and Gerry Stoker, Professor of Politics at Manchester University. The report carries a foreword by Charles Clarke MP, Chairman of the Labour Party.

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Engaging staff from the outset of the change process through to delivery is critical for success. This is a key finding from the review of the Best Value regime headed by local government minister Nick Raynsford. Council managers are urged to engage staff at all levels. There should be consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and trade unions, at an early stage before the options for improving services are more narrowly defined. Driving forward change from the top without engaging staff will not succeed.

Read more on COUNCILS URGED TO GET STAFF ON BOARD FOR SUCCESSFUL CHANGE…