Public Leadership: Theoretical Approach

Abstract

This research investigates the distinctive characteristics of public leadership within public institutions by addressing the following questions: What role does public leadership play in the context of public affairs? What tools do effective public leaders employ to achieve societal goals? By conducting a comprehensive review of the public leadership literature, this study aims to deepen the theoretical understanding of public leadership and elucidate its relationship to other concepts, roles, and tools utilized by public leaders, including politicians, administrators, and civilians, to influence society and achieve public objectives. The findings suggest that public leadership, both as a theory and practice, must function in environments characterized by distributed authority, multiple objectives, and complex regulations. Consequently, public leaders must engage in cooperation, negotiation, and power-sharing with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure the alignment of public policies with public service delivery. The study recommends that scholars and practitioners in public administration and public policy enhance their focus on public leadership theory, particularly in assessing the success or failure of public leaders in fostering a unified societal identity and defining common interests and goals. Furthermore, it advocates for examining the effectiveness of public leaders in pioneering public policy initiatives that address priority public issues and in developing institutional capabilities to implement public policy options and deliver public services efficiently and effectively.