ABSTRACT

Strategic Management in Public Organizations: European Practices and Perspectives offers the first wide-ranging survey and assessment of strategic management practices at various levels of government and public service in European countries. It shows that strategic management is much more than a management tool imported from the private sector - it has become a key element of public management reforms, and European governments at all levels are developing ‘strategic state’ characteristics.

Written by leading European experts on strategic management in the public sector and in government, this book presents evaluations and analysis based on empirical investigations. The book covers strategic management at different levels of government, explore the roles of different players, and incorporate theory and practice, with opening and concluding chapters by the editors that provide an overview of strategic management in the public services and a cross-societal discussion of practices, reforms, and lessons. It reflects not only developments in strategic management practices in the European public sector, but also the increasing importance of strategic capabilities for the modernization of public governance.

This book is ideal for students in postgraduate management courses (MPA, MSc, or MBA) in Europe and elsewhere.

chapter 1|8 pages

Introduction

Overview of Strategic Planning and Management in the Public Sector in Europe

part II|55 pages

Key Roles in the Strategic Process: Political and Administrative Leaders, and Don't Forget the Citizens

chapter 7|19 pages

Political Leaders and Public Administrators in Finland

Key Values and Stumbling Blocks in Decision Making and Interaction

chapter 9|15 pages

When Civic Culture Meets Strategy

Exploring Predictors of Citizen Engagement in Participatory Strategic Plans in Italy

part IV|122 pages

Reforms, Developments and Challenges

chapter 13|19 pages

Strategic Management and Budget Reforms

A Meta-analysis of Benefits and Anomalies in OECD Countries

chapter 16|22 pages

Driving Strategic Change through Management Tools

The Case of Program-Based Budgeting in French Higher Education

chapter 18|17 pages

Strategic Management in the Italian NHS

The Implementation of Cost-Cutting Plans for Regional Health Services

chapter 19|17 pages

Conclusion

The Development of the Strategic State in Europe