15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government

Description

Local governments are local and community-focused public sector organisations with a diverse workforce and responsibility for delivering effective, efficient and appropriate local public services. At the same time, these organisations function in a political environment and need to take account of the broader context, including ways in which the needs and concerns of citizens are expressed through democratic processes. This subject takes into account all of these factors and provides local public administrators with knowledge, skills and values that can help them to practice in a way that integrates local public service and democratic values with public management.

Using the concept of paradigms or perspectives, the subject critically examines the evolution of public administration theory and how changing frameworks have influenced approaches to efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and equity, as well as the political–administrative relationship. The implications of current theory and practice for the future of local government organising and managing are considered in the context of an emerging drive to integrate democratic values with public service.

Typical availability

Spring session, City campus