Thriving -- Not Just Surviving: New Realities For

Abstract

The United States has the economic engine that the rest of the world typically envies. In spite of criticism from both the political right and left, the public service system has played a major role in helping to bring our economy to success. The public management literature carries spirited debates on whether service is improving or otherwise. However, even with disagreement over service philosophy and huge economic and social diversity, the public sector provide unparalleled opportunities to many citizens. This work argues that while our current successes are enviable, simply continuing what we do now in the public sector, even while making organizations more efficient, will likely fail to meet the challenges of the future.