It's time to transcend the discourse centered on cost efficiency and embark on a more comprehensive evaluation of organisational productivity and efficacy, write Nina Jörden, Lucy Hampton and Ayantola Alayande.
In response to pressing challenges such as an ageing population and escalating tax burdens, both Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove have underscored the imperative of enhancing public sector productivity. However, these endeavours often trigger concerns about potential drawbacks, including worries about service reductions, rushed processes, and unintended consequences.
This report posits that it is time to transcend the discourse centered on cost efficiency and embark on a more comprehensive evaluation of organizational productivity and efficacy. The primary aim of this report is to enrich the ongoing conversation surrounding public sector productivity by delving into various dimensions of the concept and into measurement methodologies. By elucidating the indispensable role of public sector productivity in our daily lives, the report advocates for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the significance of social value and quality improvements.
Moreover, the report focuses on specific strategies geared towards increasing productivity: digital transformation and human resources management. It elaborates on the manifold opportunities that originate from these domains and concludes each section with a set of probing questions that are deemed indispensable for steering future cross-governmental assessments of productivity.
Blog: Redefining public sector productivity
This paper was first published as an Insight Paper by The Productivity Institute.
