Bringing the spirit and values back into public services

Abstract

Western societies have been shaken by the economic crisis brought on by ‘casino capitalism’ and the recklessness of the financial institutions. Once esteemed financial institutions, like Lehman Brothers, are now shown to have used dubious accounting methods to cover losses; and accountants, regulators and governments have come under scrutiny. In public life, the scandal of MPs' expenses at Westminster and the blockages in legislative assemblies in the US are compounded in England by reports of deficient and degrading care in acute hospitals, where organisational considerations appear to have taken over from the prime mission of patient care. At this time, a new, or perhaps rediscovered, form of leadership is required. One that taps into the spirit, the animating and motivating force within individuals and groups, and uses values to create a better public service for all.

Citation

Gilbert, P. and Fulford, K. (2010), "Bringing the spirit and values back into public services", International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 6-19. https://doi.org/10.5042/ijlps.2010.0349