Week 2 – Assignment: Evaluate Public Management Theories and Week 3 – Assignment: Facilitate Interdisciplinary Coordination in Public Organizations

Week 3 resources

1. Carey, G., & Friel, S. (2015). Understanding the role of public administration in implementing action on the social determinants of health. http://www.ijhpm.com/pdf_3113_f8c8e769398c68eab31fb15234e93945.html

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Natural disaster and severe weather [Web resource] https://ncuone.ncu.edu/d2l/le/content/135194/viewContent/1365665/View

3. Kiel, L. D. (2014). Complexity theory and its evolution in public administration and policy studies. Complexity Governance and Network, 1(1), 71-78 (check pdf for week 3)

4. Week 3. Building Coalition

Collaboration between agencies is a common practice in the public sector. Depending on the mission and objective of the organization, public sector managers may find themselves working on joint initiatives, sometimes involving many agencies. Collaborating with other government agencies can sometimes help alleviate organizational strains by eliminating burdens and reducing workload, which in turn eases stress and anxiety. Building coalitions is a crucial component of conducting business within the public sector. Government sector managers must be prepared to collaborate at a moment’s notice because of emerging contemporary issues. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor must be prepared to collaborate with local employment agencies regarding information sharing. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Intelligence and Analysis must stand ready to share information with other agencies within the intelligence community to prevent future cases of terrorism. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within DHS must be ready to collaborate with local emergency management agencies as well as with law enforcement to ensure rapid response to natural and manmade disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and active shooter/mass shooting scenarios.

Building partnerships is critical to having lasting solutions to evolving and recurring national crises. Without joint efforts, there would be duplicative work being conducted by multiple agencies. For example, there are several different federal agencies that respond to manmade and natural disasters. Without coordination, these organizations might get in each other’s way, which would cause a strain on their missions.

In Week 3, you will learn about the necessary intricate details for building coalition from an information-sharing perspective. Information sharing is the process of disseminating vital information among partners to help build defense responses. Information sharing also entails disclosing information between public sector and private sector partners to help strengthen resilience and help protect national interests. Without information sharing, coalition is not built, thus no joint efforts are established. Joint efforts are only successful because each organization has expertise in certain areas and through their expertise, each is able to share with the others.

You will now examine the coordination theory in respect to information sharing and building coalition with other organizations. Sometimes, the hardest part of collaboration is in the fine print. The easiest part could be agreeing to work together. Managers must be prepared to build working relationships with other public and sometimes private entities to address emerging issues and challenges.

Be sure to review this week's resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.