Preparing for Work in Government

Abstract

This paper applies a pattern-based concept of public sector functioning to the problem of preparing students for work in government. A set of complex factors influences the public service organization, which in turn forms complex and enduring patterns of organizational behavior (Glor, 2001a, b). The factors and their patterns are at work in innovation, in other change efforts, and in the way all things are done in government. To be effective, public servants should pay attention to these patterns. New entrants to government and students who are already public servants but who have changed their perspectives through education may be particularly interested in organizational change. Professors should teach these factors in an integrated way and should use the patterns as tools to prepare their students for work in government and especially for work on change.