Harnessing Complexity for Better Outcomes in Public and Non-profit Services
By Max French, Hannah Hesselgreaves, Rob Wilson, Melissa Hawkins and Toby Lowe
Published
Feb 23, 2023Page count
144 pagesISBN
978-1447364115Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Feb 23, 2023Page count
144 pagesISBN
978-1447364139Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy Press
Harnessing Complexity for Better Outcomes in Public and Non-profit Services
ePDF and ePUB available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.
How can public services and social interventions create and sustain good outcomes for the populations they serve?
Building on research in public health, social epidemiology and the social determinants of health, this book presents complexity theory as an alternative basis for an outcome-oriented public management praxis. It takes a critical approach towards New Public Management and provides new conceptual inroads for reappraising public management in theory and practice. It advances two practical approaches: Human Learning Systems (a model for public service reform) and Learning Partnerships (a model for research and academic engagement in complex settings).
With up-to-date and extensive discussions on public service reform, this book provides practical and action-oriented guidance for a radical change of course in management and governance.
“This well-written, clearly argued and exciting new book for students, academics and policy makers uses complexity theory to go beyond traditional policy approaches and chart a new way of understanding and acting within the policy environment.” Robert Geyer, Lancaster University
“Traditional public administration and New Public Management approaches are unable to address complex societal problems effectively. This short, highly accessible book explains why the alternative of Human Learning Systems offers hope.” Peter Eckersley, Nottingham Trent University
Max French is Lecturer in Systems Leadership at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.
Hannah Hesselgreaves is Professor of Organisational Learning at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.
Rob Wilson is Professor of Digital Economy in the Faculty of Business and Law, Northumbria University.
Melissa Hawkins is a Lecturer at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.
Toby Lowe is Senior Lecturer in Public Leadership and Management at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University and Visiting Professor in Public Management at the Centre for Public Impact.
1. Introduction
2. Rationalism: A Failed Logic for Public Service Reform?
3. The Complexity Theory of Outcome Creation
4. Complexity as a Service Reform Trajectory: Dynamic Capabilities for Better Public Service Outcomes
5. Human Learning Systems: A New Trajectory in Public Service Reform?
6. Learning Partnerships: Relevant Research for a Complex World
7. Harnessing Complexity for Better Social Outcomes: A Reform and Research Agenda
