The New Public Service: Serving, Not Steering

This compact, clearly written volume synthesizes the many ideas and voices calling for the reaffirmation of democratic values, citizenship, and service in the public interest. It is built around a set of seven core principles: 1. Serve citizens, not customers; 2. Seek the public interest; 3. Value citizenship and public service above entrepreneurship; 4. Think strategically, act democratically; 5. Recognize that accountability isn't simple; 6. Serve, rather than steer; 7. Value people, not productivity. Provocative and timely, The New Public Service asks the reader to think carefully and critically about what public service is, why it is important, and what values ought to guide what we do and how we do it. For all students and professionals in the field, it celebrates what is distinctive, important, and meaningful about public service and considers how we might better live up to those ideals and values.