Managing for Accountability: Preserving the Public Trust in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (Jossey-Bass Public Administration Series) [Hardcover]

Kevin P. Kearns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0787902284 | ISBN-13: 978-0787902285 | Edition: 1

Managing for Accountability is an invaluable guide for organizations struggling with issues of accountability and for managers who want to maintain their outstanding record in serving the public trust. Shows how to take a proactive approach to accountability and offers a range of practical, proven strategic management approaches, advice on implementing strategic tools, illustrative examples, useful checklists, and diagnostic tools. Helps identify the strategic issues related to accountability and outlines effective tools and methods for implementing standards of responsibility and accountability.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Managing for Accountability offers a practical and plausible approach to developing and maintaining meaningful accountability." (Terry L. Cooper, professor, School of Public Administration, University of Southern California)

"I recommAnd this book to anyone involved or interested in becoming involved in nonprofit or public service organizations and environments. It is subtle and clear, with strategic pointers on how to mobilize in response to changing circumstances in the public arena today. Managing for Accountability is a useful handbook to all who can learn to smile, cry, and moan their way through public service." (William J. Coyne, Congressman, Pennsylvania)

"An absolutely splAndid book--much needed and virtually definitive as a guide to thinking about, and executing, accountability activities in public and nonprofit organizations. Managing for Accountability is comprehensive, realistic, practical, and sophisticated." (Vic Murray, professor, Voluntary Sector Management Program, York University)

"Kevin Kearns' book presents a practical rather than an idealistic approach to accountability, an approach that is broad and flexible enough for many different types of organizations....Reading the book will provide much food for thought about the challenges of managing a public or nonprofit organization." (Government Finance Review)

From the Inside Flap

The high-rish investment of public funds by an Orange County official, the United Way fiasco, and the fraudulent investment scheme of the Foundation for a New Era Philanthropy—these are just a few examples of headline-making scandals involving public and nonprofit organizations. The question is "Who's in charge?" To restore trust, public and nonprofit leaders must act responsibly and make accountability a strategic priority. This book helps identify the strategic issues related to accountability and outlines effective tools and methods for implementing standards of responsibility and accountability. Managing for Accountability shows how to take a proactive approach to accountability and offers a range of practical, proven strategic management approaches, advice on implementing strategic tools, illustrative examples, useful checklists, and diagnostic tools. The author explains how to conduct an accountability audit that focuses on internal strengths and weaknesses, demonstrating how to set in motion targeted systems that will ensure that public and nonprofit organizations meet the expectations of the public. The book cites numerous examples of organizational successes and failures, including a pointed examination of the Orange County bankruptcy scandal—an analysis that clearly illustrates the benefits and risks of entrepreneurial public management. In addition, the book discusses ways organizations can foster a culture of accountability using leadership strategies and the proven technique of employee empowerment. Managing for Accountability is an invaluable guide for organizations struggling with issues of accountability and for managers who want to maintain their outstanding record in serving the public trust.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 255 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (March 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787902284
• ISBN-13: 978-0787902285
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,206,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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