This book presents persuasive arguments in support of public service and those who  work within it. Clearly, some services should come under government control: public safety, highways, armed and emergency service, water, sewage, parks, schools. Others, however, are operating in answer to problems that society fails to solve. The public sector requires complex problem-solving processes - never simple solutions - and, despite the negative image imprinted on the public consciousness, Government at Work shows how so-called bureaucrats do a difficult job well.   Marc Holzer and Kathe Callahan compile evidence that creativity, productivity and  excellence are not strangers to government programmes. The publ

Government at Work: Best Practices and Model Programs

Politics & Social Sciences

Holzer, Marc

Callahan, Kathe

Politics & Government

Sage Publications, Inc.

This book presents persuasive arguments in support of public service and those who work within it. Clearly, some services should come under government control: public safety, highways, armed and emergency service, water, sewage, parks, schools. Others, however, are operating in answer to problems that society fails to solve. The public sector requires complex problem-solving processes - never simple solutions - and, despite the negative image imprinted on the public consciousness, Government at Work shows how so-called bureaucrats do a difficult job well. Marc Holzer and Kathe Callahan compile evidence that creativity, productivity and excellence are not strangers to government programmes. The publ

Elements of Effective Governance: Measurement, Accountability and Participation is one of the first books to explore the relationship between accountability, government performance, and public participation. It discusses two main assumptions: greater accountability leads to better performance; and the more the public is involved in the measurement of government performance, the more they can hold government accountable for its performance. Presenting an introduction to each topic, this book provides a thorough understanding of theories, concepts, and practices. The beginning sections explore the basics of performance measurement, look at public sector accountability, and examine the rationale for and against direct citizen participation. The later sections provide an integrated discussion of performance measurement, accountability, and citizen participation and demonstrate how the strategic alignment of these critical concepts can lead to more effective governance. The final section incorporates in-depth case studies of a variety of efforts to implement performance measurement, hold individuals and organizations accountable for results, and involve the public in the deliberative process. 
Through theoretical and practical discussions, this book highlights the importance of, as well as the challenges associated with, government performance, accountability, and citizen participation. By combining these components under one cover, this book demonstrates the importance of their mutually reinforcing relationships. This volume provides the tools needed to design and develop strategies to improve government performance and demonstrate accountability. It provides a balanced perspective with its rational discussion of performance measurement and its skeptical assessment of the relationship between performance improvement and the demands for greater accountability.

Elements of Effective Governance: Measurement, Accountability and Participation (Public Administration and Public Policy)

Business & Money

Education & Reference

Routledge

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