scholarly journals Careers in the Greek public sector: calibrating the kaleidoscope

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mouratidou ◽  
Mirit K. Grabarski
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Career Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
The Public ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Career Model ◽  
The Common ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Career Perceptions

PurposeThe authors draw upon the kaleidoscope career model (KCM) to explore the career perceptions of public service employees in Greece.Design/methodology/approachQualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 33 civil servants.FindingsThe authors’ demonstrate how context frames career perceptions and propose an additional KCM parameter (security).Research limitations/implicationsThis context-based study proposes an extension of the KCM theory beyond the original three parameters that were dominant at its inception.Practical implicationsThe authors provide recommendations for human resource practices, such as empowerment through training, fair promotions and providing meaning. Despite the common perception, the need for challenge exists even within the public sector, such that satisfying it can help organizations to gain strategic advantage.Originality/valueThis study expands a prominent career theory by exploring it in a unique context. By doing that, the authors are able to better understand how the parameters of the model are readjusted in different settings and to uncover a previously unidentified theme.

Reimagining leadership – and its relationship with management – for the public sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-111
Author(s):  
Don Dunoon
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Distinct Form ◽  
Dominant Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review and critique three conventional assumptions about leadership and put forward an alternative framing, with leadership presented as a distinct form of intervention in particular moments to management. The paper also presents a structure for supporting leadership action by individuals and groups as an alternate to management action, which is seen as the dominant form. Design/methodology/approach Reflects an elaboration and distillation of concepts developed by the author since an earlier paper on essentially the same topic, drawing on his 20-plus years’ experience as a leadership developer. Findings Although not an empirical account, the paper seeks to demonstrate how, when conventional but infrequently challenged assumptions about leadership are “peeled back”, a new way of understanding leadership, especially in connection with management, is revealed. Research limitations/implications Suggestions are offered as to how the concepts and tools presented here could be evaluated, including in comparison with established leadership frameworks. Practical implications Outlines three practices for supporting leadership action in public sector organisations. These practices are working from observation, attributing reasonableness (allowing that others are reasonable) and speaking with authenticity. Collectively, these are known as the OBREAU Tripod (with “OBREAU” comprised of the first two letters in each of the pivotal words, observation, reasonableness and authenticity). Originality/value Conceiving of leadership as a different form of in-the-moment action to management in a public sector context is a distinctive contribution to the literature.

Performance-related-pay in the UK public sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zofia M Bajorek ◽  
Stephen M Bevan
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Civil Service ◽  
Human Resources Management ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scheme Design ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Behavioural Sciences ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive, independent and credible assessment of relevant academic and other literature since 2007, on the effectiveness and value for money of performance-related-pay (PRP) in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach – PRP was studied using both economics-based literature and literature from the organisational and management field (including human resources, management sociology and psychology). An initial search of databases identified 7,401 documents regarding PRP in the public sector, which was reduced to 57 final papers included in the study (27 in the health sector, 16 in the education sector and 16 in the civil service) after abstract and full paper screening. Findings – The review found some evidence that PRP schemes can be effective across the three domains of the public sector for which there was evidence available (health, education and the civil service), but findings within and between the sectors are mixed, with scheme effectiveness often dependent on scheme design and organisational context. Research limitations/implications – The research highlights the importance of considering both economics-based and organisational literature when discussing PRP in the public sector, and the implications for motivation and PRP design. Practical implications – The results indicated that the design of PRP schemes could influence their effectiveness and outcomes, and the research suggests how the challenges of designing and implementing PRP schemes can be overcome in the public sector. Social implications – The review highlights that when implementing PRP schemes there may be gender differences in their overall effectiveness (especially in education) and there must be consideration for how fairly the PRP scheme is perceived. Originality/value – The paper uses literature from economics and behavioural sciences when looking at the motivational implications for PRP in the public sector.

Matrix organizations and cross-functional teams in the public sector: a systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Pakarinen ◽  
Petri Juhani Virtanen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Typical Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the empirical research on matrix organizations and cross-functional teams (CFTs) in the public sector, focussing on typical application areas and settings and on motivation for deployment and evidence of utility. Design/methodology/approach This is a systematic literature review compiled from several electronic databases. Data cover the period from 1990 to 2015 and are confined to academic articles written in English. Findings Applications of the matrix approach in public sector organizations are found in human resource management and performance management, service development and public procurement, and creation of new organizations or organization reform and network organizations. While the proven utility of matrix organization is often unclear, especially CFTs are linked to better organizational performance, improved coordination, internal collaboration and development of cross-boundary tasks. Research limitations/implications Methodological limitations relate to excluded data due to non-accessible articles. Practical implications The findings have practical implications for public sector organizations in adapting to a changing environment. Originality/value This is the first systematic literature review of matrix management in public sector organizations.

scholarly journals The future of auditing research in the public sector

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Hay ◽  
Carolyn J. Cordery
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
The Public ◽  
What Works ◽  
The Future ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review opportunities for future research about auditing in the public sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the viewpoints of two researchers, supported by research that is cited in the paper.FindingsPublic sector auditing research has grown considerably. The authors expect further growth. The authors debunk some myths about public sector auditing. The authors suggest areas where there are opportunities for research. In particular, researchers can examine a broader range of jurisdictions, investigate differences among countries and develop suggestions about what works best.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents the views of the authors.Practical implicationsThere are opportunities for further research across different jurisdictions.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution by outlining research opportunities.

scholarly journals Closeness and distance: configurational practices for digital ambidexterity in the public sector

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Magnusson ◽  
Jwan Khisro ◽  
Max Björses ◽  
Aleksander Ivarsson
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Digital Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Configurational Approach ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Large Municipality

Purpose The purpose of this study is to increase the current understanding of how public sector organizations dynamically balance exploration and exploitation of digital initiatives, i.e. the enactment of digital ambidexterity. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Zimmermann, Raisch and Cardinal’s perspective of configurational practices for addressing the enactment of digital ambidexterity. The method comprises a qualitative, interpretative case study of a large municipality in Sweden, using both interviews and secondary data. Findings Through the perspective of configurational practices, the study identifies and describes a set of sub-practices that constitute the enactment of digital ambidexterity. This is then used for theorizing how configurational practices involve the balancing of closeness and distance. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by being a single, non-longitudinal case of a Swedish municipality that has implications for generalizability and transferability. Moreover, it opens up for new perspectives to the future study of the enactment of ambidexterity in the public sector. Practical implications Organizations striving for digital ambidexterity are recommended to use the configurational approach to assess and design their governance to build ambidextrous capabilities through a combination of closeness and distance. Social implications This study is aimed at strengthening public sectors abilities for continued relevance for its stakeholders over time. With increased need for digital innovation within the public sector, the findings and recommendations derived from the study lead to increased innovation capability, which in turn is expected to lead to increased relevance of services. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that addresses how ambidexterity is enacted within the public sector following the configurational approach. As such, it opens up for new perspectives on organizational ambidexterity.

Portfolio management of development projects in Danish municipalities

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Stentoft Arlbjørn ◽  
Per Vagn Freytag ◽  
Lisa Thoms
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Generic Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Administrative Functions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Control ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Danish municipalities are undergoing continuous changes. An important part of these changes are the introduction and implementation of a wide range of development projects. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the challenges of initiation and implementation of development projects in municipalities. Design/methodology/approach – The focus is on development projects, which are defined as projects undertaken to improve the workflow and processes of administrative functions in municipalities. The empirical component is based on two pilot interviews in two municipalities and a quantitative questionnaire distributed to all Danish municipalities. Findings – Extant literature contains limited contributions regarding the overall management of development projects in municipalities. There seems to be an awareness of the importance of developing working procedures to ensure greater efficiency in Danish municipalities, but this development is often not prioritised relative to operational tasks. The absence of prioritisation is an indication of the potential for improving the portfolio management of development projects. Research limitations/implications – The response to the quantitative questionnaire is provided by one employee in a municipality. As such, the research may reveal the views of one individual in particular and not those of the municipality in general. Practical implications – The paper provides empirical evidence of the ambidextrous challenges in the context of public sector management. At a more generic level, the paper highlights the importance of improving portfolio management of development projects. Originality/value – This paper is the first that one to focus on the orchestration of development projects in the public sector (here analysed through Danish municipalities). Management and control of such projects is much more sensitive to political decision processes than are similar tasks in the private sector.

Security of classified information: one standard or many?

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Michael Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Department Heads ◽  
Government Employee ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Single Standard ◽  
Political Appointee ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There should be one standard for those with access to classified data. Leadership by example should be required by all managers, supervisors and department heads. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint and does not have a methodology. Findings Leaders who work in the public sector have an inherent responsibility to earn and maintain the trust of the public for whom they serve. Regardless of whether one is a career government employee, a politician or a political appointee, all who have access to classified material should respect the necessity of safeguards to keep one’s nation’s secrets – secret. Research limitations/implications If leaders fail to set the example, then nations risk further breaches of their classified information. Practical implications This viewpoint applies to anyone who works in an environment dealing with classified material. Social implications This viewpoint serves to educate the public on maintaining a single standard for those who handle classified material. Originality/value The author has yet to see much covered in peer-reviewed publications on this topic and believe that the subject is particularly relevant at this time.

Contextualising the antecedents of organisational innovativeness

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Ahrens ◽  
Aishah A.K. Al-Sereidi ◽  
Halimah F. Al-Shaebi ◽  
Asra H. Rahmdel
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Organisational Capabilities ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific meanings underlying the general antecedents of organisational innovativeness (OI) in one specific public sector context, to fill empirically the categories employed in prior quantitative research and to understand better some of the opportunities for strengthening facilitators of OI and overcoming barriers to OI that present themselves in particular contexts. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a field study. It uses 29 semi-structured interviews with the members of UAE government and semi-government organisations. The research methodology is qualitative: it seeks to elucidate the meanings that structure the respondents’ understandings of innovation at work. Findings Across the UAE public sector there are great differences in organisational members’ interest in, and readiness to engage with, OI. Members of the public sector tended to conceptualise OI as a set of individual efforts and relationships in which the trust with superiors played a key role, as did the availability of individual rewards. For some respondents communication served as an umbrella term to denote organisational characteristics that would enable individuals to join efforts to make the public sector more innovative. Overall, the great variations in respondents’ ability to articulate and conceptualise the antecedents of OI suggests that organisational capabilities to support OI need strengthening. Research limitations/implications The paper’s insights are based on the study of the public sector of only one country and may be difficult to generalise to other countries. Practical implications The paper suggests ways in which Emirati public sector organisations can strengthen the facilitators of OI and overcome the obstacles presented by the barriers to OI in order to help public sector leaders and employees make innovation a routine element of their day-to-day work. Originality/value The paper presents a first attempt at using qualitative research to deepen our understanding of the antecedents of organisational innovativeness in the public sector.

Housing and health – a public health perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-22
Author(s):  
Adrian Phillips ◽  
Andy Baker
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Major City ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on homelessness and health gained from a practical public health perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Views derived from local review as well as other national epidemiology and research. Findings – That housing has real impacts upon health especially for those who are homeless. Research limitations/implications – This is a viewpoint from a major city in England. Practical implications – Homelessness leads to extreme vulnerability. There are other aspects of the home environment that impact elsewhere in the public sector, especially the health service. Vulnerable individuals are more likely to become homeless which can lead to exacerbation of vulnerability. Originality/value – This is a viewpoint derived solely from local practice.

Do public sector mergers (re)shape reputation?

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vilma L. Luoma-aho ◽  
Mirja E. Makikangas
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The public sector worldwide is under pressure to downsize, which has led to mergers of public sector organisations. This paper seeks to bridge the unstudied gap of what happens to organisational reputation after a merger. The paper discusses change and reputation in the public sector, and reports findings of a longitudinal study on stakeholder assessments of four public sector organisations undergoing mergers recently. Design/methodology/approach – Following a theory-driven content analysis, this longitudinal study compares stakeholder assessments of four public sector organisations' reputations a year before an organisational merger with assessments of the two resulting organisations' reputations two years after the merger. Findings – The paper finds that the mergers did not really re-shape reputation, but the once established reputation persevered. Although the organisations faced greater expectations after the merger, only minor changes in reputation were detected post-merger: the reputation for expertise, heavy bureaucracy and trustworthiness remained strong after the merger, but certain traits, such as being international and esteemed, were lost. In both cases, one organisation's prior reputation slightly dominated the new reputation. Research limitations/implications – The findings may be limited to Finland and other Nordic countries, as well as those countries where trust in the public sector is high. Practical implications – Mergers may not change once-established reputations, and hence the improvements desired by mergers may go unnoticed by the different stakeholders. Organisations merging must prepare for increased stakeholder expectations, as the new organisations arise questions. Previous organisational traits may remain in stakeholders' assessments despite any achieved improvements. Originality/value – This paper addresses the gap in studying organisational reputation after public sector mergers, and contributes to both theory and practice by providing insight into the stability of once-established reputations.

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