The Three Pillars of Public Management: Secrets of Sustained Success

Written especially for the public sector, but applicable far beyond it, "The Three Pillars of Public Management" offers government managers insights that, for the first time, speak directly to their situation. Unlike other management books that promote fads and private-sector models or focus on politics, policy, and government-wide reforms, this book offers tangible suggestions to improve public service agencies or individual work sites. Proving that public service excellence is not an oxymoron but an achievable reality, "The Three Pillars of Public Management" provides a framework, based on the experiences of senior managers and a survey of top-performing public service organizations around the world, for building and sustaining effective public service organizations. The authors find that success in serving the public rests on three pillars: the aim, or mission, of the organization; the character of the people and the institution; and the tools available to achieve the aim. "The Three Pillars of Public Management" is an important resource for practitioners at all levels of the public service, from central agencies and top national departments to regional, state, or provincial governments and municipalities. With an easy-to-read style, inspiring examples, and a checklist of questions at the end of each chapter, the book is a valuable tool for improving the public sector workplace and helping public servants make a difference. ""The Three Pillars of Public Management" makes a significant contribution to the field of public sector management, providing a framework for recognizing and improving effectiveness in public organizations. It clearly fills a gap in the available literature." - Jim McDavid, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria. Ole Ingstrup is Commissioner of Corrections, Correctional Service of Canada. He is the co-author of "Our Story", and the author of numerous articles and reviews. Paul Crookall was senior advisor, Correctional Service of Canada, and is now a consultant in private practice.