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Public services are embedded in and shaped by a multitude of external factors, among which the sociopolitical context features prominently. Focusing on the interaction between public policies and public services, this chapter examines public policies and their interaction with public services and familiarises the reader with key concepts. The chapter showcases that the relationship between public policies and public services is not unilateral. At the same time as being shaped by public policies, public services are also core actors in the implementation of public policies. Based on an outline of policymaking, this chapter highlights the crucial role of public services and street-level bureaucrats in the implementation of policies. It argues that the implementation of policies exacerbates a crucial influence on the definition and operationalisation of the goals followed and the outcomes achieved, making public services crucial actors shaping public policy outcomes.
Sustainability is gaining ever more importance. Initially confined in meaning to environmental considerations, today, sustainability is commonly understood as a multidimensional concept that brings together environmental, social and economic concerns. The multidimensional nature of sustainability oftentimes poses challenges for sustainable practices. This chapter explores the nature and history of the idea of sustainability, its relationship with public services as well as challenges in the implementation of sustainable practices. It furthermore outlines approaches to develop and support more sustainable practices. Taking public procurement as an example, it showcases that sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor shaping public services.
A growing scientific consensus exists that, as a direct result of human activity, the ecological systems which support life on earth are threatened with potentially irreparable and catastrophic damage. These developments encompass a range of interrelated issues, such as climate change, pollution and the loss of biodiversity. This chapter outlines this ‘environmental crisis’ from the perspective of a social problem, that is a problem, which is both caused by human societies and that presents fundamental challenges for future patterns of life. Based on a consideration of the nature of the environmental crisis and its key social dimensions and dynamics, this chapter introduces the concept of the Anthropocene and examines the relationship between the environmental crisis and public services. It shows that public services are at the same time affected by and contributing to the environmental crisis. As a result, public services need to adapt to environmental changes but can also contribute to broader strategies of mitigating the environmental crisis.
Dive inside this textbook for an accessible guide to the discipline of public services.
Perfect for students, it offers a comprehensive account of core public service topics and explains the fundamental elements of working in the public services. Outlining their role in the welfare state, it explores the policies, providers and legalities shaping the context in which public services operate.
Students will study concepts of organisational change, strategy, management, leadership and funding, and engage with timely discussions around contemporary public issues such as equality, sustainability and climate change. Key features to support student learning include:
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objectives at the beginning of each chapter;
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case studies and examples;
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end of chapter summaries;
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reflective questions;
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further reading recommendations and resources.
Public services comprise a wide range of organisations carrying out an array of activities. Starting with an exploration of the broad variance of services and the different ways in which they are organised and delivered, this chapter examines the nature and goals of ‘public services’. This chapter outlines the complexity involved in defining the term ‘public services’, particularly in cross-cultural and cross-national perspective. It argues that public services can be defined as services provided by or on behalf of the state based on political decisions. This chapter then proceeds to place public services in the context of social policy and public administration.
Addressing needs and safeguard rights, public services are a crucial part of modern states and everyday lives. This book presents an in-depth introduction to public services as a field of study and provides a holistic guide to both the discipline of public services and core elements of working in public services. Aiming to provide a comprehensive account of core public service topics, this book explores the context in which public services operate, the delivery of public services between the state, the market and civil society as well as strategy, leadership and management of public services and emerging key themes of public service delivery. The introduction provides an outline of the aims and nature of public services. The first part of this book introduces the reader to the relationship between public services and public policies, explores organisations and the mixed economy of public service provision, and outlines the legal framework that shapes public services. Focusing on the internal dimension of public services, the second part then explores strategy, management and leadership of and in public services. Contributions on current and emerging issues and themes, from sustainability and the environment to equality, and their relationship to public services form the third part of the book.
Addressing needs and safeguard rights, public services are a crucial part of modern states and everyday lives. This book presents an in-depth introduction to public services as a field of study and provides a holistic guide to both the discipline of public services and core elements of working in public services. Aiming to provide a comprehensive account of core public service topics, this book explores the context in which public services operate, the delivery of public services between the state, the market and civil society as well as strategy, leadership and management of public services and emerging key themes of public service delivery. The introduction provides an outline of the aims and nature of public services. The first part of this book introduces the reader to the relationship between public services and public policies, explores organisations and the mixed economy of public service provision, and outlines the legal framework that shapes public services. Focusing on the internal dimension of public services, the second part then explores strategy, management and leadership of and in public services. Contributions on current and emerging issues and themes, from sustainability and the environment to equality, and their relationship to public services form the third part of the book.
Addressing needs and safeguard rights, public services are a crucial part of modern states and everyday lives. This book presents an in-depth introduction to public services as a field of study and provides a holistic guide to both the discipline of public services and core elements of working in public services. Aiming to provide a comprehensive account of core public service topics, this book explores the context in which public services operate, the delivery of public services between the state, the market and civil society as well as strategy, leadership and management of public services and emerging key themes of public service delivery. The introduction provides an outline of the aims and nature of public services. The first part of this book introduces the reader to the relationship between public services and public policies, explores organisations and the mixed economy of public service provision, and outlines the legal framework that shapes public services. Focusing on the internal dimension of public services, the second part then explores strategy, management and leadership of and in public services. Contributions on current and emerging issues and themes, from sustainability and the environment to equality, and their relationship to public services form the third part of the book.
Since the mid-20th century, tackling inequality and promoting equality have become increasingly important concerns in many countries. Equality is also a core concern for public services for a number of reasons ranging from legal obligations to concerns about the ability of public services to effectively fulfil their goals. Outlining that equality is also an important consideration for public services, this chapter explores equality in relation to public services. It examines different concepts of equality and highlights the multifaceted and complex nature of inequalities. Turning to public services, it highlights the impact that (implicit) access requirements, the service and the conditions under which it is delivered can have for equality, and outlines key strategies public services are using to promote equality both externally and internally.
Drawing on the previous chapters, the conclusion brings together main insights developed throughout the book. It highlights that, like many welfare state institutions, public services are exposed and adapting to a changing social, economic and political environment. This chapter outlines the challenges of ever more complex issues reshaping the way public service organisations interact with the state and the other sectors and the influences these developments have on the internal operations of public services. Many of the attempts to adapt to broader changes draw on best practice from a range of industries but they also show the barriers to applying management concepts in different settings. As a result, public services have to find new techniques to meet the challenges of shifting demographics, financial restrictions and ecological change in a sustainable way.
