Developing organizational leaders to manage publicness: A conceptual framework

ABSTRACT

Students enrolled in programs accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) are increasingly seeking careers outside of classic government organizations. Considering the diversity of job placements with respect to sector (i.e., government, private for-profit, nonprofit), public affairs students may benefit from in-course instruction that aims to develop management competencies that are applicable to any sector. Educating students on publicness theory, specifically managing to achieve public outcomes (i.e., managing publicness), may position these current and future organizational leaders to identify and effectively manage certain structures and institutions in their organization and the external environment. Accordingly, this study provides a conceptual framework in the form of a research-intensive assignment that will equip public affairs students with a working view of how publicness applies to their organizations. By engaging in this research, students acquire practical tools that allow them to consider publicness in their management strategies and decisions regardless of their sector of employment.

KEYWORDS:

• Organizational design
• publicness
• public management
• public value

Notes

^1. Ratings reflect informed and justified student judgements based on reputable sources of information, and not necessarily advanced quantitative analysis. The goal here is for students to gain a general understanding of the organization’s degree of publicness on each dimension through extensive research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cullen C. Merritt

Cullen C. Merritt is an assistant professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. His research focuses on the structure, design, and management of organizations.

Morgan D. Farnworth

Morgan D. Farnworth is a Master of Public Affairs student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Her research interests include public administration, publicness theory, education policy, and social equity.

Matt R. Kienapple

Matt R. Kienapple is an undergraduate Honors student in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He is interested in management and organizational theory.