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| Public Management and Governance by Tony Bovaird & Elke Löffler |
"Public Management and
Governance" by Tony Bovaird and Elke Löffler is a prominent textbook that
offers insights into the field of public management and governance. The book
aims to provide readers with an understanding of the theories, practices, and
challenges associated with managing public organizations and delivering public
services in a dynamic and complex environment.
Key topics covered in the book
include:
1. Public
Management Theories: The book introduces various theories and
approaches to public management, discussing concepts such as New Public
Management (NPM), public value, network governance, and collaborative
governance. These theories provide frameworks for understanding how public
organizations can be effectively managed and operated.
2. Governance
Models: The authors explore different models of governance,
including hierarchical models, networked governance, and collaborative
governance. They discuss the roles of various stakeholders in decision-making
and policy implementation processes.
3. Public
Service Delivery: The book examines how public services are
designed, delivered, and evaluated. It covers topics such as performance
measurement, citizen engagement, and service quality improvement in the public
sector.
4. Partnerships
and Collaboration: Collaboration between public, private, and
nonprofit sectors is a central theme in modern public administration. The book
delves into the dynamics of partnerships, exploring how organizations work
together to address complex societal challenges.
5. Policy
Implementation and Evaluation: The authors discuss the
challenges associated with translating policies into action. They explore
strategies for effective policy implementation and the importance of evaluating
policy outcomes and impacts.
6. Innovation
and Change: Public management involves adapting to changing
circumstances and introducing innovative practices. The book touches on the
role of innovation and change management in the public sector.
7. Ethics
and Accountability: Public managers must adhere to ethical
standards and be accountable to the public. The book addresses ethical
considerations in decision-making and the mechanisms for ensuring
accountability.
8. International
and Comparative Perspectives: The authors offer insights
into public management practices across different countries and regions,
allowing readers to compare and contrast approaches to governance and service
delivery.
"Public Management and
Governance" is often used as a textbook in courses related to public
administration, public policy, and governance. It provides students,
practitioners, and researchers with a comprehensive overview of the key
concepts and trends in the field of public management.