Heracleous, Loizos and Johnston, Robert (2009) Can business learn from the public sector? European Business Review, Vol.21 (No.4). pp. 373-379. ISSN 0955-534X

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to challenge conventional wisdom suggesting that public sector entities should learn from the private sector, and to state some potential lessons for business based on case study research in leading edge public sector entities. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is longitudinal case study research using the interview method and a literature search on public sector management. Findings – Business organizations can learn valuable lessons from leading edge public sector entities, such as the need to employ technology to reinvent themselves or to support unconventional strategies rather than just support existing processes; to change proactively rather than wait for a crisis; to strive for strategic innovation rather than simply incremental improvements; and to develop a heightened sense of competition to fight inertia and groupthink. Research limitations/implications – One limitation is the small number of leading edge public sector entities studied here. Further research can include a larger sample, to explore the validity of the lessons stated here, and to derive additional lessons from leading public sector entities. Practical implications – Business managers should take seriously the potential to learn from leading public sector entities. Originality/value – The paper provides a challenge to conventional wisdom that public sector entities should learn from business, rather than the other way round, by examining two leading edge public sector entities; Singapore Airlines and the National Library Board of Singapore.

Item Type:	Journal Item
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Journal or Publication Title:	European Business Review
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:	0955-534X
Date:	2009
Volume:	Vol.21
Number:	No.4
Number of Pages:	7
Page Range:	pp. 373-379
Identification Number:	10.1108/09555340910970454
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/43493

Request changes to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item