The role of interim managers in performance improvement: evidence from English local authorities

Abstract

This article shows how interim managers use the ambiguity of being perceived as both an insider and outsider to an organization to manage difficult situations in the process of turnaround from poor performance. Their temporary involvement with an organization allows them to support staff, as well as deal with urgent managerial and governance issues. Their contributions to the improvement of organization performance often take place in the early stages of the process and remain largely invisible. Reducing management in the public sector in order to cut the cost of delivery may put organizational performance at risk.

Keywords:

• Change agents
• Comprehensive Performance Assessment
• interim management
• poor performance
• turnaround

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pauline Jas

Pauline Jas is a lecturer of public policy at the University of Nottingham, UK