Does austerity drive public service innovation? Evidence from shared senior management teams in local government. Issue 2 (23rd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bello, Benedetta; Downe, James; Andrews, Rhys; Martin, Steve
• Is Part Of: Public money & management. Volume 38:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2018-02-23
• Subjects: Austerity -- local government -- management innovation -- senior management teams -- sharing services; Finance, Public -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic policy -- 1945-1964 -- Periodicals; 336.005
• DOI: 10.1080/09540962.2018.1407161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0962

Abstract

Abstract : Shared senior management teams are a recent and radical response to financial austerity. They aim to improve the efficiency of public services without the disruption, controversy and transaction costs associated with full-blown organizational mergers. This paper assesses the adoption of this management innovation by English district councils, identifies enablers and barriers to its effective implementation, offers a preliminary assessment of its impacts, and draws out practical lessons for policy-makers.