The Effects of Fiscal Contraction on Innovation in the Public Sector

Abstract

A review of the literature suggests that fiscal contraction will cause the innovative process in the public sector to fall on hard times. Most of the environmental and organizational factors deemed conducive to innovation will be less present under fiscal constraints than they had been during periods of expansion. The only major force in favor of innovation will be a growing gap between the actual performance levels of public agencies and the levels that both agency administrators and members of the public would like to see. A climate of 'something must be done' generally leads to some kind of innovation, whether good or bad. Hence, the innovations that will thrive are likely to be those that help manage the contraction process rationally. The influences threatening other types of innovations are not only formidable but self- reinforcing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA105237

Entities

People

  • Jan M. Chaiken
  • Warren E. Walker

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • California
  • Computer Programs
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Local Governments
  • Management Personnel
  • Money
  • National Governments
  • Negotiations
  • New York
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Urban Areas

Readers

  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).
  • Systems Analysis and Design