Understanding and Managing Public Organizations

by Hal G. Rainey

In the third edition of his award-winning book, Hal G. Rainey provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of research on public organizations and management. Drawing on a review of the most current research about government organizations and managers— and about effective and ineffective practices in government— this important resource offers specific suggestions for managing these challenges in today's public organizations. Using illustrative, real-life vignettes and examples, the book provides expert analysis of organizational design, goals, power, effectiveness, leadership, motivation and work attitudes, decisionmaking, and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks

512 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 1991

Reviews

[Erin Mclaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly useful

While some bits did get a little dry, overall Rainey is really informative. We read this text for my masters program, and it was great. The organization of information made sense and helped demystify a lot about public organizations.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned things. Read my term paper for more info

[Breck Wightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholars aren’t kidding when they refer to this text as the Bible of public administration. Rainey casts a wide net and is able to speak to the many facets of PA in a very manageable way. Favorite quote from the text: “Challenging new ideas requires effective implementation, and in government, implementation requires effective public management.”

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far the most comprehensive review of organizations that is completely dedicated to the public sector. Rainey has included every pertinent theory necessary to gain a solid knowledge base of organizational behavior.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was required for a class, which focused on public organizations more than nonprofits. The class was required for my program, otherwise I would not have chosen it. While I am certain the book is helpful to people working in public organizations, it was not as relevant to me.

[Earl Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Incredibly academic in approach. A resource that will forever be part of my library.