Strategic management is widely seen as essential to the public services, leading to better performance and better outcomes for the public. In fact, the private sector idea of strategic management has become so powerful in the public sector that politicians and policy makers have begun to talk about the importance of the modern state being strategic - and we may be witnessing the emergence of the Strategic State.

Strategic Management for the Public Sector draws on experience and research from a range of countries and provides a theoretical understanding of strategic management that is grounded in the public sector. Drawing on the latest theory and research this text provides a fresh look at foresight, analysis, strategic choice, implementation and evaluation. This book also offers original and detailed case studies based on up to date evidence from different public sector settings, helping the reader to build on their understanding of theories and concepts presented earlier in the book.

Strategic Management for the Public Sector has been written specially for managers and students taking postgraduate courses such as MBAs and MPAs. It will also appeal to individual managers and civil servants in the public sector looking for an accessible book to read as part of their own independent personal development.


In good times and bad, in the different situations of renewal, crisis, and chronic resource constraints, the strategic leadership of public services is crucial. Good leaders are essential in helping the public sector to adapt and solve 'wicked' problems, and they are also integral to the reform and modernization of public governance.

This new edition of Strategic Leadership in the Public Sector continues to provide insights into useful approaches and techniques for strategic leaders, looking at:

  • what is expected of leaders
  • competency frameworks
  • leadership theories
  • techniques and processes of strategic leadership
  • leading strategic change
  • the strategic state
  • emerging leadership challenges.

Replete with real-world case studies and examples, and including new material from the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and India, plus an appendix with practical worksheets, the book gives students a truly international outlook on the subject and offers a clear understanding of the significance of leadership, strategic management and public services reform.

This textbook represents essential reading for postgraduate students on public management degrees and aspiring or current public managers.


In turbulent times, strategic leadership of public services becomes ever more important. Strategic leaders are steering their organizations into a new relationship with the public, often in conditions of intensified competition between public services providers and thus the quality of leadership they offer is critical.

Providing insights into useful approaches and techniques for strategic leaders, Strategic Leadership in the Public Services covers topics such as the nature of leaders and how leaders lead. It probes strategic thinking and thoroughly explores strategic processes of implementation, monitoring and evaluation. It provides advice on being strategic and encourages the reader to appreciate the challenges of strategic leadership in practice. In the end, the book argues that leadership and strategy have become hegemonic ideas for reinventing the state.

Replete with real world practical case studies and examples, drawn from a range of countries, the book provides students with a truly international outlook on the subject and offers a clear understanding of the emerging significance of leadership, strategic management, and public services reform. Essential reading for postgraduate students taking leadership and management courses for the public services, the book will also be a useful resource for individuals currently pursuing executive management careers in the public services, or hope to do so in the future.