'Practicing Alchemy'

This study provides insights into knowledge transfer
and organizational learning in implementing recent
public sector reform in Victorian local government. Best Value was introduced by the Bracks Labor
government in 1999 following initiatives of a
modernisation program in the UK. The program s
primary objective is alignment of service delivery
with local needs; and, ensuring local authorities
respond to constituents by providing avenues for
feedback and participation in shaping their
communities. The study documents how organizational
development practitioners make Best Value operational
and resolve every day concerns. The Alchemic
Life-Cycle is a grounded theory explaining transition
from a prior management regime - based on market
competition principles, to Best Value. Practicing
Alchemy conceptualises the basic social process
explaining how inevitable uncertainties, accompanying
shifts in political and intellectual understandings
of public sector management, are routinely dealt
with. Findings indicate service quality can only be
adequately conceptualised in the context of the
historical, geographical and political legacies of
the local authorities concerned.

Autorentext

Dr. Janet Bryant, B.A. (Hons, Sociology); Dip. Ed; M.A. (AppliedSocial Research); PhD (SUT) is a graduate of LaTrobe, Monash, andMelbourne Universities. Currently a senior lecturer, andDiscipline leader of Sociology, at Swinburne University ofTechnology, her PhD studies were completed in the SUT Faculty ofBusiness and Enterprise.

Klappentext

This study provides insights into knowledge transferand organizational learning in implementing recentpublic sector reform in Victorian local government.'Best Value' was introduced by the Bracks' Laborgovernment in 1999 following initiatives of amodernisation program in the UK. The program'sprimary objective is alignment of service deliverywith local needs; and, ensuring local authoritiesrespond to constituents by providing avenues forfeedback and participation in shaping theircommunities. The study documents how organizationaldevelopment practitioners make Best Value operationaland resolve every day concerns. The AlchemicLife-Cycle is a grounded theory explaining transitionfrom a prior management regime - based on marketcompetition principles, to Best Value. PracticingAlchemy conceptualises the basic social processexplaining how inevitable uncertainties, accompanyingshifts in political and intellectual understandingsof public sector management, are routinely dealtwith. Findings indicate service quality can only beadequately conceptualised in the context of thehistorical, geographical and political legacies ofthe local authorities concerned.