ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the relation between public values as providing different directions and legitimations for actions. Creating public value focuses on producing both concrete products, as well as, ways of being. Some authors actually stress a difference between public value and public values. The possible sources and means to identify public values are a core concern, and approaches may vary considerably. Without going into the empirical matter of constructing a public with shared values, a few conceptual observations can be made. Values are at the heart of public administration, and so is rationality. Max Weber distinguished between purpose rationality and value rationality as two fundamentally different ways people relate to action. L. Oldenhof, J. Postma and K. Putters studied how conflicting values such as efficiency and equity, efficiency and democratic legitimacy, and equity and liberty are dealt with in administrative practice.
