IC and public sector: a structured literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Dumay ◽  
James Guthrie ◽  
Pina Puntillo
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Structured Literature Review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a structured literature review of the public sector intellectual capital (IC) literature. It is, in part, motivated by a recent review of the IC literature by Guthrie et al. (2012, p. 74), who found that the public sector is one of the least addressed areas of IC research. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a structured literature review of public sector IC articles that is as up to date as possible. The authors use and update the dataset from Guthrie et al. (2012) to include another five plus years of data, including seven articles appearing in this special issue. Findings – The public sector IC has a primary research focus on central government and central government agencies, education (especially universities), Europe (especially Italy and Spain) and empirical research using case studies mainly investigating management control and strategy. It appears public sector IC researchers are firmly entrenched in performative third-stage research, investigating “how” IC works in organisations rather than offering normative solutions. Research limitations/implications – Three areas offered as a way of forwarding public sector IC research. First, there is a need to expand public sector IC research from beyond the confines of education (university) research. There is also an opportunity for a study to synthesise the findings. Second, there is also a need for more longitudinal research in public sector IC because IC is not an event, but a journey. Third, there is an opportunity for researchers to undertake empirical research with organisations to develop and test IC frameworks and models in specific public sector contexts. Practical implications – The authors call for researchers to consider helping public sector practitioners implement IC frameworks and models through interventionist research. In keeping with the performative third-stage IC research agenda, interventionist research makes it possible for academic researchers to act as a catalyst for implementing IC frameworks and models in practice. Originality/value – This paper is a must read for IC researchers wanting to embark on public sector research. The paper outlines how public sector IC research has developed, offers critique and outlines future opportunities for research that has potential impact, rather than concentrating on already well-researched contexts.

Risk management in the public sector: a structured literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-223
Author(s):  
Enrico Bracci ◽  
Mouhcine Tallaki ◽  
Giorgia Gobbo ◽  
Luca Papi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Black Box ◽  
The Body ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Structured Literature Review

PurposeRisk management (RM) is receiving increasing academic and practitioner attention in the public sector. Despite this, there is a lack of systematization of this body of knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the state of art by examining the knowledge gaps and defining the emerging themes of RM in the public sector to guide future research agendas.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a structured literature review (SLR). They analyzed 63 papers, by using Scopus database, published from 1990 to 2018. All papers were categorized and analyzed according to 11 criteria defined by the literature.FindingsResults show that there is an increasing attention to RM with a need for more effort to consolidate research knowledge. Findings also established a lack of theorization, with a limited explanatory capacity of most studies. The paper defined four main areas for future developments to increase the body of knowledge. Namely, RM and managerial systems (i.e. MCSs and performance management), integrating RM systems and the building blocks of RM that the authors identify will also play a role in helping the authors to understand the diffusion of RM within public sector organizations.Originality/valueDespite the increasing attention to RM in the public sector, more research is required. Considering RM in public sector risks to be a “black box”, this paper revealed some new insights that could help to analyze better RM in the public sector, to open the black box and to avoid a symbolic use of the RM. In fact, integration with the managerial systems and the strengthening of the building block could help to exploit the potential of RM in the public sector.

From output to outcome measures in the public sector: a structured literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Dal Mas ◽  
Maurizio Massaro ◽  
Rosa Lombardi ◽  
Andrea Garlatti
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Structured Literature Review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to perform an analysis of the current literature providing a deep contribution to understanding the paradigm shift from output to outcome measures in the public sector. Thus, the main aim is to provide relevant insights of both theoretical and empirical studies, offering a critique of the schemes and the research methods used and underlining future research opportunities for the compelling (or underestimated) contents and new emerging trends. Design/methodology/approach Articles published in main public management and administration journals, as internationally recognized, are analyzed using a structured literature review methodology. The paper investigates selected contributions published in Association of Business Schools (ABS) (Chartered Association of Business Schools – UK] Grade 4, 3 and 2 journals specializing in the field of “Public Sector Management,” dealing with the topic of performance measurement, from output to outcome. Findings Findings are described defying a framework that deepens emerging elements of current literature such as main countries analyzed, main research topics highlighted, research methods applied (qualitative versus quantitative; case studies, interviews, comparative studies etc.), different definitions of “output” and “outcome,” top keywords and their connections. Originality/value The paper’s findings aim to offer insights and a current “shared vision” into the state of the art and possible future research avenues on the topic of output and outcome measures in the public sector fostering the development of further studies especially in the direction of sustainability.

Emotional capacity in the public sector – an Australian review

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 429-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine Belfanti
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Cultural Reform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Competencies ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Emotional Capacity

Purpose This paper presents a review examining an Australian public sector competency framework through the lens of emotional intelligence (EQ) to answer the question “To what extent is the concept of EQ used to facilitate NSW public sector reform?” The purpose of this paper is to accentuate the importance of emotional capacity as an important capability to achieve reform goals, recognising the public sector’s deep organisational history and accepting that change is an emotional event, and that people achieve change. Design/methodology/approach A literature review drawing relationships between culture, change and emotion is applied to a capability framework for the public sector in the State of NSW. This review serves two purposes. First, it examines interacting factors that define the public sector context – a culture developed over generations, identity, the impact of culture on change and the relationship between change and emotions. The second examines a concept for its ability to transform this culture in a comparatively short time compared to its evolutionary history. Emotional capacity is framed by the EQ literature and is explored as a competency with particular focus in the NSW public sector. A ProQuest search using keywords Emotional intelligence and Public Sector or Civil Service; and Emotional intelligence and Public Administration located 22 studies across 14 countries looking at EQ in the public sector. These are supplemented by additional studies on EQ. The capability framework is examined against the elements of the only recognised standardised test for EQ (Fiori and Antonakis, 2011), the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test. Findings The examination concludes that emotional capacity is implicit, if not overlooked within the framework, with continued emphasis on technical and managerial competencies, evident of public sector management still encased in traditional paradigms. The discussion positions the development of emotional capacity as a high-order competency in a challenging reform environment. Research limitations/implications The literature review may suffer from publication bias in both the literature cited in this review as well as those studies that have been published, particularly given the small amount of studies available within the public sector environment. The theoretical nature of the matching assessment is subjective and allows potential for variation in interpretation in both the meaning of the competencies and the matching to the four branches of EQ. Practical implications Empirical research in EQ is limited in the public sector domain. The public sector has an embedded culture weighed with assumptions steeped in history. A public sector organisation is valuable for longitudinal studies as many employees stay for considerable years if not their whole career. Further empirical research within this sector in examining the impact of emotional capacity on cultural reform would enhance the knowledge in this field. Originality/value The paper contributes to the limited literature examining the optimal competencies in particular emotional capacity for reform in the public sector.

scholarly journals Earnings management in public-sector organizations: a structured literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bisogno ◽  
Pierre Donatella
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Structured Literature Review

PurposeResearch dealing with earnings management in the public-sector context is expanding. This paper aims to review the existing literature to understand how research is developing and points out gaps deserving further investigation.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the structured literature methodology to investigate the state-of-the-art and future directions of the literature on earnings management in the public sector. In total, 78 articles were explored.FindingsThe critical analysis of the literature shows that different but related streams of literature are emerging, focused on both a macro- and a micro-level perspective (mainly local governments and state-owned enterprises).Originality/valueThis study is the first that offers a comprehensive review of the literature on the emerging topic of earnings management in the public-sector context. The structured literature review enables the identification of future directions for the literature in this field.

Public sector knowledge management: a structured literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Massaro ◽  
John Dumay ◽  
Andrea Garlatti
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
International Comparisons ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Structured Literature Review

Purpose – This paper aims to review and critique the public sector knowledge management (KM) literature, offers an overview of the state of public sector KM research and outlines a future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach – Articles published in KM journals are analyzed using a structured literature review methodology. The paper analyzes 180 papers published within ten journals specializing in the field of KM. Findings – Public sector KM is a research area of growing importance. Findings show that few authors specialize in the field and there are several obstacles to developing a cohesive body of literature. Low levels of international cooperation among authors and international comparisons mean that the literature is fragmented. Some research topics and some geographical areas within the public sector theme are over-analyzed, while others are under-investigated. Additionally, academic researchers should re-think their methodological approach if they wish to make significant contributions to the literature and work toward developing research which impacts practice in conjunction with practitioners. Originality/value – The paper presents a comprehensive structured literature review of the articles published in KM journals. The paper’s findings can offer insights into future research needs.

Ambiguity in public sector performance measurement: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Oppi ◽  
Cristina Campanale ◽  
Lino Cinquini
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Results

PurposeThis paper presents a systematic literature review aiming at analysing how research has addressed performance measurement systems’ (PMSs) ambiguities in the public sector. This paper embraces the ambiguity perspective that PMSs in public sector coexist with and cope with existing ambiguities.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a literature review in Scopus and ScienceDirect, considering articles published since 1985, and the authors selected articles published in the journals included in the Association of Business Schools' Academic Journal Guide (Chartered ABS, 2018). Of the 1,278 abstracts that matched the study’s search criteria, the authors selected 131 articles for full reading and 37 articles for the final discussion.FindingsThe study's key findings concern the elements of ambiguity in PMSs discussed in the literature. The study’s results suggest that ambiguity is still a relevant problem in performance measurement, as a problem that is impossible to be solved and therefore needs to be better understood by researchers and public managers. The analysis allows us to summarize the antecedents and consequences of ambiguity in the public sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe key findings of the study concern the main sources of ambiguity in PMSs discussed in the literature, their antecedents and their consequences. The study results suggest that ambiguity exists in performance measurement and that is an issue to be handled with various strategies that can be implemented by managers and employees.Practical implicationsManagers and researchers may benefit from this research as it may represent a guideline to understand ambiguities in their organizations or in field research. Researchers may also benefit from a summary list of the key issues that have been analysed in the empirical cases provided by this research. Social implicationsThis research may provide insights to limit ambiguity and thus contribute to improve performance measurement in the public sector.Originality/valueThis research presents a comprehensive review on the topic. It provides insight that suggests what future research should attend to in helping to interpret ambiguity, considering also what should be done to influence ambiguity.

Corporate portfolio management in the public sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-340
Author(s):  
Saša Baškarada ◽  
Brian Hanlon
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Business Units ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAlthough corporate portfolio management (CPM) has been a popular tool for strategic management of multi-business portfolios in the private sector since the late 1960s, it has received limited attention in the public sector. Accordingly, empirical research on the use of CMP in government organizations is virtually non-existent. The purpose of this paper is to partially fill that gap in the literature by highlighting and discussing some of the key points that public sector organizations may need to consider when adopting CPM.Design/methodology/approachRather than deductively proposing and testing narrowly specified hypotheses, this study aims to answer a broad research question, namely: What are the key points that public sector organizations may need to consider when adopting CMP? Hence, the study adopts the qualitative interpretive research paradigm. The findings are based on empirical research conducted in a large Australian publicly funded research organization. Potential application of CPM was iteratively and incrementally explored with a reference group comprising 15 middle management representatives and several members of the senior leadership group over the course of one year.FindingsAssessment criteria traditionally used in CPM (e.g. growth potential and market share) are generally not applicable in public sector organizations. This paper suggests that government organizations should instead consider past performance and future potential of individual business units, which may be operationalized via capability (a function of human capital and associated resources/infrastructure) and delivery (a function of the demand for, and the impact of, relevant business units). The paper also highlights the importance of organization-wide consultation, evidence-based decision making, and contestability.Originality/valueFrom a practical perspective, the paper may assist public sector organizations with adapting and applying CPM. From a theoretical perspective, the paper highlights an important and relatively neglected research problem, and suggests several avenues for future research.

The impact of management control systems on organisational change and performance in the public sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-495
Author(s):  
Nuraddeen Abubakar Nuhu ◽  
Kevin Baird ◽  
Ranjith Appuhami
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Employee Empowerment ◽  
Strategic Flexibility ◽  
Interactive Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
And Performance

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of organisational dynamic capabilities (strategic flexibility and employee empowerment) in mediating the relationship between management control systems (MCSs), in particular the interactive and diagnostic approaches to using controls, with organisational change and performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected based on a mail survey of public sector organisations in Australia and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings The findings indicate that strategic flexibility and employee empowerment mediate the association between the interactive approach to MCSs with organisational performance, and strategic flexibility mediates the relationship between the interactive approach to MCSs with organisational change. Practical implications The study’s findings inform public sector practitioners as to how to enact change within and enhance the performance of public sector organisations. Specifically, managers are advised to focus on the use of interactive controls and the development of two dynamic organisational capabilities, strategic flexibility and employee empowerment. Originality/value The study provides an initial empirical insight into the relation between controls and dynamic capabilities and their role in enacting change and performance within the public sector. The findings suggest that the achievement of new public management ideals is reliant upon the organisational environment, with change and performance facilitated by the interactive use of controls and strategic flexibility and employee empowerment.

Mexico power centralisation will bring heavy criticism

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Central Government ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Public Servants ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
State Capture

Subject Balance of powers in Mexico. Significance Since taking office last year, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) and his National Renovation Movement (Morena) have taken several measures to make savings in the public sector and to allocate resources to tackling poverty and corruption. Such goals enjoy widespread support, but some of the mechanisms employed to achieve them are concentrating power with the central government. The areas most affected include constitutionally autonomous entities within the administration, other branches of government such as the judiciary, and state governments. Impacts Given the role of poorly paid public servants in state capture, salary cuts may prove counterproductive in fighting corruption. Without a system that impartially investigates, prosecutes and sanctions wrongdoing by public servants, corruption will not abate. Centralisation will strengthen the administration initially but leave it vulnerable in the long term when things do not work as intended.

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.

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