Networking among public service organizations: learning and change through the Beacon Council Scheme

Downe, James Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0772-3183, Hartley, J. and Rashman, L. 2002. Networking among public service organizations: learning and change through the Beacon Council Scheme. Presented at: 62nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AOM), Denver, CO, USA, 9-14 August 2002. Academy of Management Meeting Proceedings. , vol.2002 Briarcliff Manor, NY: AOM, B1-B6. 10.5465/APBPP.2002.7519425

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Abstract

Networking as a means to achieve policy learning and the spreading of good practice across public service organizations is a feature of the UK. This paper examines the Beacon Council Scheme, established by central government to reward excellence in service delivery and to disseminate good practice across local authority organizations. The Scheme is interesting as a network for learning and change for several reasons: it is a national scheme, it is high profile and is being extended, and it is the only part of local government modernisation to date based on supporting "best practice". Using data from a national survey (n= 314) and 72 interviews from 12 case studies, this paper examines three research questions. First, how much networking and learning takes place at Beacon Council events. Second, to what extent has this learning led to implementation in local authorities. Third, what are the enablers and barriers of inter-organizational learning and change. The paper demonstrates that the Beacon Scheme is relatively successful in sharing good practice and encouraging networking. The identification of enablers and barriers indicates the need to focus upon the originating organisation (the preparation, planning and expertise of the Beacon Council and its dissemination strategy) but also the recipient organisation (the attending authorities) as well as the processes taking place between organizations.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Networking, Learning, Change
Publisher:	AOM
Related URLs:	Organisation
Last Modified:	25 Oct 2022 08:33
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/53362

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