Continuous Improvement Practice in Local Government: Insights from Australia and New Zealand

Local government plays a critical role in providing governance, infrastructure, and services for local communities. Over the past 30 years, it has undergone significant reforms due to policy changes from superordinate governments. This book seeks to uncover the kinds of continuous improvement practices enacted in various local government contexts, focusing on practices that enable practitioners and researchers to gain insights that go beyond approaches that privilege the application of CI tools over the contextualization of CI programs. The cases presented share insights on aspects of CI, such as embedding performance measurement, harnessing learning, and contextualizing CI activities to support the ongoing sustainability of these practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Local government is a vital player in the provision of governance, infrastructure, and services to local communities. Over the past three decades, this sector has undergone significant reforms driven by policy changes at the superordinate government level. To remain sustainable and continue delivering value to their constituents, many local government organizations have implemented continuous improvement (CI) programs. These programs aim to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality in service delivery.

However, the success of these CI initiatives has varied across different local government contexts. This book aims to go beyond a tactical focus and explore the types of continuous improvement practices that are enacted in various local government contexts. By focusing on practices, practitioners and researchers can gain insights that go beyond approaches that prioritize the application of CI tools over the contextualization of CI programs.

Contextualization is crucial as it allows for the deployment of programs that are tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of local communities and operations. The cases presented in this book share valuable insights on various aspects of CI, such as embedding performance measurement, harnessing learning, and contextualizing CI activities to support the ongoing sustainability of these practices.

Researchers and practitioners alike can benefit from the grounded industry base experiences and insights shared in this book. The cases provide practical examples and practical strategies that can be applied in local government organizations to improve their operations and deliver better services to their communities.

In conclusion, local government plays a critical role in shaping the development and well-being of local communities. Continuous improvement is a key tool that local government organizations can use to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. By focusing on practices and contextualizing CI programs, local government organizations can gain insights that will help them deliver better services and achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032200347