‘It’s every breath we take here’: Political astuteness and ethics in civil service leadership development

Hartley, Jean and Manzie, Stella (2020). ‘It’s every breath we take here’: Political astuteness and ethics in civil service leadership development. Public Money and Management, 40(8) pp. 569–578.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2020.1777704

Abstract

This paper uses survey and interview research with senior civil servants to argue that leadership with political astuteness is a specific contextual requirement for public servants who work closely with politicians. Also important are technical skills, judgement and a sharp sense of ethics and integrity. The ‘fine balance’ of political astuteness and other capabilities are shown in a framework about leading in an ethical way. Implications for the development of civil servants are considered.

Viewing alternatives

Download history

Metrics

Public Attention

Altmetrics from Altmetric

Number of Citations

Citations from Dimensions

Item Actions

Export

About