Handbook of Public Administration, 3rd Edition

Chapter 15Leading Public Organizations Strategically

Richard M. Walker, Chan Su Jung, and Gong-Rok Kim

This chapter draws on Boyne and Walker (2004) and Walker (2013). We thank Rhys Andrews, George A. Boyne, Jennifer Law, Kenneth J. Meier, and Laurence J. O'Toole Jr. who have contributed to the development of evidence on strategic management in public service organizations.

Over recent decades, politicians, practitioners, and citizens have called for a focus on goals, planning processes, and innovation in public and nonprofit organizations. To fulfill these missions, public service delivery organizations need to acquire and align resources. The adoption of strategic management practices is a central way to address this focus because they seek ...