Transforming the character of public organizations

by A. Carol Rusaw

From her own experience, Dr. Rusaw knows that to inspire change in any organization, particularly in the public sector, change agents must understand that change is primarily collective, nonrational, and nonlinear. People who seek to create change cannot stand apart from the problems, issues, and concerns raised by their constituents, but must merge themselves into the data-making, analysis, and diagnosis phases of consulting. The agent must, in other words, participate actively in creating change. How the agent must do this, why, and the effects the agent can expect are the subjects of Dr. Rusaw's book. Her book will appeal to practicing public administrators who seek real-life examples presented in conversational language. It will also be important for teachers and students of public administration, specifically in courses in organizational behavior, leadership, organization theory, human relations, and public personnel management.