Managing in a Political World

Steve Leach identifies the key challenges facing chief executives in British local government in operating in an environment where party politics is a dominant force. It discusses the basis on which chief executives apply for posts and manage the interview process, and the importance of the 'honeymoon period' - the first 6-9 months.

'...pay attention to this book...appeals to a wider audience and is not only an important input for current knowledge on the theme, but also a relevant contribution to the ongoing debate of local governance reform and the devolution agenda.' - Political Studies Review

Autorentext
STEVE LEACH is Emeritus Professor of Local Government at De Montfort University, UK. He has a long record of research and consultancy in the politics, management and reorganisation of local government in Britain. Recent publications include Botched Business, The Damaging Process of Local Government Reorganisation 2006-08 (with Michael Chisholm) and The Changing Role of Local Politics in Britain.

Inhalt
Introduction: Understanding the Challenges Facing Chief Executives Taking the Job and Getting Started The Chief Executive as 'Head of Paid Service' Managing the Relationship with the Leader Dealing with Political Change The Chief Executive as a Political Animal The Essence of a Good Relationship Testing the Relationship Moving On: by Choice or Otherwise The Impact of Inspection and the Performance Culture The Impact of the Move to Executive Government Where Next for Chief Executives