ABSTRACT
Crises are commonplace in the management of public services. The processes of planning, organising and delivering acceptable quality goods and services to the citizens of modem states are extremely complex and difficult. A particular pattern of behaviour can be discerned among public managers in Hong Kong in dealing with crises, and a number of points can be highlighted from the cases under review. This can help to identify the causes of the crises, and develop strategies to minimise the impact of their consequences. Co-ordination of the various sections of a department and the agencies of government is extremely important in managing crises. Governments employ a variety of measures, structures and strategies in order to secure optimum results in the provision of public services. The crises provided an opportunity to learn from failure and this will be useful in drawing lessons as it opens a window on the dynamics, organisation and management of government.
