Essentials of Public Service

An Introduction to Contemporary Public Administration (2nd edition)

Essentials of Public Service is written for the twenty-first century, employing a governance lens in which the term “public sector” embraces government, public service-minded nonprofits, social enterprises, and for-profit entities that partner with government to provide goods and services.

Skillboxes

At the end of each chapter, a “how to” guide, referred to as a skillbox, gives step-by-step instructions on an essential skill drawn from the subject matter covered. From memo writing to public speaking to manipulating spreadsheets to accounting for inflation in cost forecasts, the skill is described, instructions are provided, and a sample exercise is included that provides an opportunity to practice. These skillboxes focus on the foundational tools that public service professionals need: effective communication, critical thinking, grant writing, program evaluation, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and more. We use the opportunity presented by an introductory course textbook to draw attention to and impart basic competency in the most critical public service skills.

How to Write a Memorandum
Effective Public Speaking
Running a Meeting
Starting a Nonprofit (or Not)
Hiring the Right Person
Data Management and Presentation with Spreadsheets
E-mail versus In-Person Communication
How to Compare Costs and Benefits
How to Calculate Inflation Adjustment
How to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request
Grant-Writing Essentials
How to Dissect a Legal Decision
Tips for Ethical Decision Making
Essentials of Program Evaluation
Is Public Service the Right Career for You?