Dobell, A.R

The public administrator: God? or enterpreneur? or are they the same in the public service

This paper distinguishes entrepreneurical behaviour in the public service (innovative activity where the risks and benefits are essentially personal or informed consent can reasonably be presumed) from decisions involving risks to others, usually ananymous and beyond consultation. It argues that decisions by public officials are more often of the latter type, imposing risks on others. This lead to a requirement for guidelines based first on rights and fundamental principles, then on a calculated tisk-benefit analysis, and finally on a lively sense of personal responsibility. In the end, only leadership can instill a shared sense of organisational and personal values that assure the responsible exercise of


Public Service
Civil Service
Public Administration
Canada
Civil Service - Canada