Public Sector Reform:article in Irish Times

[riker1969]

Most public sector workers are not opposed to better systems-why would anybody be opposed to creating a more efficient workplace. This article is quite balanced unlike most of the drivel we see peddled here by the one trick ponies. The chief culprit being PATSPLATT who has a deluded idea that simply cutting public sector salaries will create economic growth and a better service.

Anyway link to article below:

Public service reform needs complex approach - The Irish Times - Wed, Jul 01, 2009

[Proposition Joe]

Most public sector workers are not opposed to better systems-why would anybody be opposed to creating a more efficient workplace.

And the CPSU is doing what to the proposals to streamline benefit decisions so that the newly unemployed can get their dole in less than 16 weeks?

They're not opposed to efficiency per se, they just want 300 promotions as a bribe, else the efficiency doesn't happen.

[Mr.B]

jeasus imagine that..basing promotion solely on merit.

[riker1969]

I cant speak for the CPSU. As for promotion on Merit-Mr B (is the b for bullshyte!) thats now in all areas of the public sector though it has to be admitted it was only introduced for posts of responsibility (in teaching) in September. Now I can get my greedy paws on the 3k(!) these posts give you-whoppee! I notice that neither you have obviously read the article but could not resist having another go-predictable but very sad.

[politicaldonations]

unions in public sector are like mafia, extorting whatever they can for "the family"(their members) at the expense of wider society.

[InReality]

To get back on topic , its a really good article.

As the author points out , thinking in terms of carrot and stick is too simplistic and often simply wrong in how people respond to incentives.
"Behavioural economics" is often the term given to studying this , and many recent books on economics adopt this approach.

There is lots of evidence that detailed "targets culture" , can have negative effects.
This is often reported in the UK media in regard to policing , health and education.

I would hope that we would not go down the targets route just as other countries are starting to realise the problems it can cause.

I expect we will though.

1. There is a perception that public servants are lazy feckers which this could "weed out."
2. Its a command & control type idea which would find favour in the dept of finance.

[riker1969]

To get back on topic , its a really good article.

As the author points out , thinking in terms of carrot and stick is too simplistic and often simply wrong in how people respond to incentives.
"Behavioural economics" is often the term given to studying this , and many recent books on economics adopt this approach.

There is lots of evidence that detailed "targets culture" , can have negative effects.
This is often reported in the UK media in regard to policing , health and education.

I would hope that we would not go down the targets route just as other countries are starting to realise the problems it can cause.

I expect we will though.

1. There is a perception that public servants are lazy feckers which this could "weed out."
2. Its a command & control type idea which would find favour in the dept of finance.

Good post-as a public servant I realise there is no money but am not adverse to any productivity changes, but speaking for Education sector there has to be more empowerment for teachers in terms of curriculum development. The Department would also want to set out its agenda for promotions. If they are not going to grant paid promotion what exactly are they are going to replace it with? How are they going to motivate staff?

A bit of lateral thinking is required but I'm not going to hold my breath.

[robert151410]

Good post-as a public servant I realise there is no money but am not adverse to any productivity changes, but speaking for Education sector there has to be more empowerment for teachers in terms of curriculum development. The Department would also want to set out its agenda for promotions. If they are not going to grant paid promotion what exactly are they are going to replace it with? How are they going to motivate staff?

A bit of lateral thinking is required but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Empowerment. What a lovely word. And you want a few extra quid too.

[asset test]

Job satisfaction has not been mentioned. I know many who work in the CS and say their job is boring and repetitive, and often cyclical, with major highs and many lows. Boredom with repetitive tasks is endemic. Innovation is a no no as the unions will immediately demand from an innovative manager a payoff be it monetary or promotional or whatever. Many middle managers hands are tied. Their own managers are also afraid to rock the boat. There is no support for innovation with a knife in your back.

Public Sector reform is going to be difficult. Public Sector jobs are not based on productivity thus increasing the profits of a company leading to bonuses, share options, a weekend away, promotions etc. etc. A good benchmark for public sector workers is the view the customer has of them. What departments strike you as being efficient? What departments are not? Those that are not need reform, those that are need to keep improving.

Bottom line, public servants serve the public. If they do that efficiently and cost effectively they have every right to say their job is worthwhile to all of us. I think of the Health service when I speak about service delivery. And places like Revenue, SW, Passport Office, Motor Tax, Births, deaths and marriage registration, and many more are all about that. Do they do it well? And what about departments that formulate policy, write legislation, answer PQs for the Minister, answer constituent's questions for a TD or minister. There is a lot going on in the Public Sector that is time wasting, just so a TD can say how wonderful s/he is.

I could go on, but I have the CS pals calling around later so I'll be listening to more of the same.

[riker1969]

Empowerment. What a lovely word. And you want a few extra quid too.

Ah the prison officer who cant obviously read! Im now blocking you because you no longer even have amusement value and contribute nothing. Other people on this site have revealed that you are a prision officer and thus I cant figure why you are so anti-publc sector. Some teacher obviously hit you or worse at some point and Im sorry for that.