Complexity and the Public Sector: The Key Ideas of Complex Responsive Processes of Relating and Their Recent Development

New Public Management (NPM) methods have dominated public sector organizations since the early 1990s, emphasizing performance, metrics, transparency, and marketization. This book explores the tensions that arise in institutions where NPM methods prevail, introduces different ways of thinking about managing for the public good, and offers a radical challenge to the dominant assumptions regarding professional communities of practice. The third book in the Complexity and Management series provides practical judgment and insights from senior managers and consultants to help manage in everyday public sector organizational situations. It is an ideal resource for students, managers, and consultants in the public sector.

Format: Hardback
Length: 26 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Since the early 1990s, public sector organizations have been grappling with a phenomenon known as New Public Management (NPM) methods, which have gained widespread popularity. NPM idealizes performance, metrics, transparency, and marketization, shaping the management practices of these organizations. This book delves into the complexities that arise within institutions where NPM methods dominate, offering alternative perspectives on managing for the public good. It challenges the prevailing assumptions about why and how professional communities of practice may or may not change their working practices.

In this third installment of the Complexity and Management series, a team of expert authors comes together to provide captivating accounts of managing in everyday public sector organizational situations. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to complexity and public sector management, featuring real-world narratives that illustrate concrete dilemmas faced by managers in the workplace. The concluding chapter synthesizes the practical and theoretical implications of a complexity perspective, making it an invaluable resource for students enrolled in management or executive leadership programs for the public sector. Additionally, managers and consultants working in or consulting to the public sector will find this book to be a valuable guide.

The authors of this book draw upon their extensive experiences and expertise to offer practical insights and strategies for navigating the challenges posed by NPM methods. They emphasize the importance of using practical judgment in decision-making, recognizing that complex situations require nuanced approaches. By integrating a complexity perspective into management practices, organizations can foster resilience, adaptability, and innovation, enabling them to respond effectively to the ever-changing demands of the public sector.

The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of managing in the public sector. The first chapter provides an overview of complexity and public sector management, introducing key concepts and frameworks that will be explored throughout the book. The second chapter explores the tensions that arise when NPM methods dominate, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from the emphasis on performance, metrics, and marketization. The third chapter introduces alternative ways of thinking about the task of managing for the public good, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, shared values, and long-term sustainability.

The fourth chapter showcases real-world narratives that illustrate the practical application of complexity and public sector management principles. These narratives showcase the challenges and successes faced by managers in various public sector organizations, providing valuable insights and lessons learned. The fifth chapter draws together the practical and theoretical implications of a complexity perspective, offering insights into how organizations can leverage complexity to achieve their goals and promote public good.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on managing in the public sector. By challenging the dominant assumptions about why and how professional communities of practice may change their working practices, it provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern public sector. With its practical insights, real-world narratives, and theoretical grounding, the book is an invaluable resource for students, managers, and consultants alike. As the public sector continues to evolve, this book will remain a valuable guide for those seeking to manage for the public good and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367544737