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Harnessing Complexity for Better Outcomes in Public and Non-profit Services

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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...
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  • 28 March 2023
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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.

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Price: $19.95
Pages: 144
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Imprint: Policy Press
Publication Date: 28 March 2023
ISBN: 9781447364115
Format: Paperback
BISACs: POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Social Policy, Public administration / Public policy, MEDICAL / Health Policy, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Social Services & Welfare, Social welfare, social policy and social services, Social theory
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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