Contributions to Public Administration and Public Policy

This edited volume analyzes the ethics of innovations in the public sector in Europe. The book presents a theoretical analysis of empirical cases, deepening the understanding of innovation in public administration by identifying common processes across various local contexts. It also delves into the study of the European Union's ethics and values, exploring their impact on innovation at both European and local levels. Additionally, the book features comprehensive case studies, encompassing different sectors, professions, and statuses within public administration, providing a multifaceted examination of innovation's complexities. By considering multiple perspectives, including those of citizens, politicians, managers, trade unions, NGOs, and political leaders, the book offers a holistic understanding of the ethical challenges associated with innovation in public administration. It also addresses intrapreneurship, successful initiatives, struggles and resistance to change, training for elected representatives, and the integration of an ethical approach into local authority communications. As such this volume will be an essential resource for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone navigating the intricate landscape of ethical decision-making in European public administration.

By evaluating previous public management research through Marxist concepts, this textbook offers innovative solutions to public service problems. It updates Marx’s framework to reflect the growth of public services, transitioning from abstract state notions to concrete service analysis. 

Addressing two critical gaps, the book highlights the benefits of a Marxist approach to public services and presents Marxist ideas to examine these services at a micro level. It demonstrates the relevance of Marxist frameworks for public service professionals, critically reviews current public management knowledge, and sheds light on the dynamic nature of public services against the background of neoliberalism. While doing so, the book goes beyond a Eurocentric perspective, providing cases and practical examples from developed and developing countries, with an additional focus on Asian practices.

Written by an award-winning author with years of practical experience and designed for graduate and advanced undergraduate students, each chapter sets clear learning objectives and reviews existing tools and frameworks. The chapters also present new ways of improving public services, encouraging readers to apply Marxist concepts to their contexts and cultures. This will also make this book a practical resource for practitioners and professionals, seeking to resolve their grounded public services issues.