• Political affairs -> Leadership and Public Management

• 0 Comment

Can good leadership overcome poor public management practices and vice versa?

Theodore Stoffels

Yes, good leadership can overcome poor public management practices but it's not a magic solution for the problems present within an organization. It depends on the situation, the level of damage caused by poor management practices, the level of change required, and the capabilities of the leader.

First, a good leader can bring a fresh perspective, new ideas, and a change in the culture of an organization, which can positively impact the management practices that have been damaging the public services. The leader can identify the issues present within the organization and take the necessary steps to address them. They can provide direction, vision, motivation, and inspire their team to work towards a common goal.

Second, a good leader can implement a strong system of accountability and transparency, which can mitigate the negative effects of poor public management practices. A leader who values accountability can help to ensure that public funds are not being misused, and that the needs of the public are being adequately met. They can also ensure that the right people are in charge of public services and that these professionals are held to high standards of performance.

On the other hand, poor leadership can worsen the impact of poor public management practices. A poor leader may not be able to recognize the issues within the organization and may not have the expertise to properly address them. They may not have the necessary communication and management skills, and may struggle to motivate and inspire their team.

In conclusion, it is possible for good leadership to overcome poor public management practices, but it is not a guaranteed solution. The leader must have the required skills, expertise, and motivation to work towards improving the organization's practices. It is also important to note that good leadership can only go so far - sustainable change requires accountability, transparency, and the dedicated efforts of all involved parties.