Caught Between the Dog and the Fireplug, or How to Survive Public Service (Texts and Teaching/Politics, Policy, Administration series) - Softcover

Ashworth, Kenneth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0878408479 ISBN 13: 9780878408474

Publisher: Georgetown University Press, 2001

Synopsis

Replete with practical advice for anyone considering a career in federal, state, or local government, Caught Between the Dog and the Fireplug, or How to Survive Public Service conveys what life is really like in a public service job. The book is written as a series of lively, entertaining letters of advice from a sympathetic uncle to a niece or nephew embarking on a government career. The book will interest students and teachers of public administration, public affairs, policy development, leadership, or higher education administration. Ashworth's advice will also appeal to anyone who has ever been caught in a tight spot will working in government service.

About this title

Review:

Quite often an academic assumes that a book of anecdotes provides 'war stories' but little insight. This book, however, richly combines real experience with solid advice that would benefit even the most experienced public administrator. Ashworth's book performs the rare feat of providing an amusing look at public service while maintaining the importance of service to the commonweal.

--Public Administration Review

A 'must' for anyone aspiring to a career in public service at any level, Caught Between the Dog And The Fireplug is highly readable yet filled with sensible observations and recommendations.

--Wisconsin Bookwatch

Synopsis:

With practical advice for the reader considering a career in federal, state, or local government, this book conveys what life is really like in a public service job. It is written as a series of letters of advice from a sympathetic uncle embarking on a government career.The author draws on more than 40 years of public sector experience to provide advice on the daily challenges that future public servants can be expected to face: working with politicians, bureaucracy, and the press; dealing with difficult people; and maintaining high ethical standards. He shows that in the confrontational world of public policy-making and programme implementation, a successful career demands disciplined, informed thought, intellectual and personal growth, and broad reading. The book aims to demonstrate how, despite the inevitable inefficiencies of a democratic society, those working to shape policy in large organizations can effect significant change - and even have fun on the way.

About this edition

• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0878408479
• ISBN 13: 9780878408474
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 220