EMBA 249

Management in the Public Sector

Managing public sector organizations requires unique skill sets. Governmental entities serve multiple constituencies, some of which may have differing and competing objectives and needs. Their customers include those who utilize the entity's products and services, taxpayers who fund the organization, publicly elected officials who set new directions with every change in administration, oversight groups which monitor governmental activities, and the ever-watchful media. Accordingly, managers in the public sector need to function effectively in highly volatile and political environments. Traditional and innovative management practices have to be tempered by political realities and the public's emphasis on service with accountability. Managers have to perform their traditional roles while also being public relations specialists in dealing with the various constituencies of the public sector entity.

Units: 3.0