Leadership in Public Services Annotated bibliography

Leadership in Public Services: Annotated bibliography example
Here is an example of an annotation:

Full reference
Hartley, J. 2018. Ten propositions about public leadership. International Journal of Public Leadership. 14(4), pp. 202-217.

Summarise the source
Ie. What is the scope and argument of the work?
(100 words)

Hartleys argument is that research on public leadership has shaped the agenda for research on leadership more broadly. These propositions are an attempt to continue to shape the field, by identifying notable gaps in existing literature, raising issues for debate and asking pertinent theoretical and practical questions about public leadership. The propositions are diverse but focus on how to understand and navigate the increasingly complex context of public leadership.

Evaluate the source
Eg. What are the strengths and weakness of the work? How relevant is the source to your studies? What evidence or data does the work rely on? Who is the intended audience? How does it compare or contrast with another work you have read?
(100 words)
The article provides a useful survey of the current landscape of research on public leadership, drawing on her own research as well as reviewing the broader literature. Some of the propositions are foundational, for example, the opening proposition on defining public leadership. Many converge on how public leadership may respond to context, which is oft cited in leadership theory and practice, but rarely adhered to. Of particular concern to Hartley are contexts of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Some propositions feel less significant than others, for example, that on dual leadership. It was surprising to see that issues of public leadership in relation to inclusivity and diversity were absent.

Relevance of the source
How does the work illuminate or connect with your chosen case study and assignment?
(100 words)
 
The opening proposition in the paper makes an argument for differentiating public leadership from public service leadership. Hartleys argument is that public leadership is necessarily broader than leadership within public service organisations, not only due to the changing governance context, but because public leadership may be usefully be seen as leadership in the public interest. Hartley is interested in the processes and practices of public leadership as well as individual leaders. She usefully highlights that public leaders are not only elected political leaders, or professionals within public service organisations, but may also be from the community or even private sector. The article is useful in identifying potential questions for the upcoming dissertation.

Date completed
 
18.08.20