Bureaucratically Incorrect : Letters to a Young Public Servant

by Bob Chartier

Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mike Zadravec · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad book by any stretch, albeit I would only recommend it to someone actively working in the public service, or pursuing a public service career. As this was written nearly 20 years ago, it is somewhat outdated in relation to the modern public service workplace. That said, the author identifies issues which are plainly relevant in the public service today: red tape, endless bureaucracy, seemingly pointless meetings & committees, etc.

One aspect of this book that I appreciated was the reminder that the term "public service" encompasses an incredible variety of roles. I have a tendency to envision public service work as "desk jockey" work for lack of a better term, but forget about teachers, police officers, border security, research positions, etc.- all jobs that are a crucial piece of the public service at a federal and provincial level.

I found the book's proposed approaches to fixing common problems in the public service to be somewhat abstract and a tad optimistic. However, the book did offer some insightful points about public service work and caused me to rethink my attitudes and mental models towards common stereotypes about public service work.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for anyone working in the public service.

[May · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maiku:

His view of public
service, to inspire young hires,
doesn't hit the mark.