Kathe Callahan – författare

This book presents persuasive arguments in support of public service and those who work within it. The authors argue that some services are only appropriate to government control: public safety, highways, armed and emergency services, parks, and public schools. Other services are operated/undertaken by government in response to problems that society and the private sector have failed to solve: housing, transportation, clean air and water, and so on. In both instances, the public sector requires complex problem-solving processesùnever simple solutionsùand, despite the negative images of (bumbling) bureaucrats imprinted on the public consciousness, Government at Work shows how public servants do difficult jobs well. Marc Holzer and Kathe Callahan compile evidence that creativity, productivity, and excellence are not strangers to, but often characteristic of, government programs. The public sectorÆs innovative problem-solving should be exploited in the attack on complex problems as they emerge in our society.

This book presents persuasive arguments in support of public service and those who work within it. The authors argue that some services are only appropriate to government control: public safety, highways, armed and emergency services, parks, and public schools. Other services are operated/undertaken by government in response to problems that society and the private sector have failed to solve: housing, transportation, clean air and water, and so on. In both instances, the public sector requires complex problem-solving processesùnever simple solutionsùand, despite the negative images of (bumbling) bureaucrats imprinted on the public consciousness, Government at Work shows how public servants do difficult jobs well. Marc Holzer and Kathe Callahan compile evidence that creativity, productivity, and excellence are not strangers to, but often characteristic of, government programs. The public sectorÆs innovative problem-solving should be exploited in the attack on complex problems as they emerge in our society.

Global Public Management offers a collection of cases illustrating managerial problems and policy situations that managers could face anywhere in the world. These cases are then analyzed by universal scholars and practitioners of public management. The case comments focus on identifying the problem in the case and offering suggestions on how to handle the conflict.    Taken together, the case and the three different assessments of the case offer a marvelous way for students of administration to gain vicarious experience in managing in a global environment. The cases describe situations that managers might face, and the comments offered by the experts clearly demonstrate that managerial problems are in the eye of the beholder and that there are the alternative strategies to solve the problem.    Key Features: The cases are short, between 3 and 10 pages in length, and they address issues that a typical public manager faces on the job. This book presents both the problematic situation and a host of proposed solutions. The suggested interpretations of the cases come from public administration academics and practitioners who have worked or are working in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Elements of Effective Governance: Measurement, Accountability and Participation is one of the first books to explore the relationship between accountability, government performance, and public participation. It discusses two main assumptions: greater accountability leads to better performance; and the more the public is involved in the measurement of government performance, the more they can hold government accountable for its performance.Presenting an introduction to each topic, this book provides a thorough understanding of theories, concepts, and practices. The beginning sections explore the basics of performance measurement, look at public sector accountability, and examine the rationale for and against direct citizen participation. The later sections provide an integrated discussion of performance measurement, accountability, and citizen participation and demonstrate how the strategic alignment of these critical concepts can lead to more effective governance. The final section incorporates in-depth case studies of a variety of efforts to implement performance measurement, hold individuals and organizations accountable for results, and involve the public in the deliberative process. Through theoretical and practical discussions, this book highlights the importance of, as well as the challenges associated with, government performance, accountability, and citizen participation. By combining these components under one cover, this book demonstrates the importance of their mutually reinforcing relationships. This volume provides the tools needed to design and develop strategies to improve government performance and demonstrate accountability. It provides a balanced perspective with its rational discussion of performance measurement and its skeptical assessment of the relationship between performance improvement and the demands for greater accountability.

Educational Leadership in Action provides 24 complex, real-life, accessible cases to provoke and stimulate conversation around practical problems that confront educational leaders today. Written by a diverse group of educators, these cases cover a wide range of topics, including: teacher evaluations, educational reforms, contract negotiations, school safety, cultural differences, undocumented students, and social media. To foster additional meaningful discussion and debate, this resource includes responses to each of the cases, written by a range of experts. The organization and unique approach of Educational Leadership in Action allows for flexible use in courses for aspiring leaders to supplement core readings, reinforce central concepts, exemplify theory, and provide grounded examples to encourage learning. This essential compendium of cases and responses prepares future leaders to frame problems, identify solutions, and develop strategies to meet the multiple challenges and competing demands in rapidly changing education contexts.