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Considering game theory to improve leadership in partnership working within the UK public services

Considering game theory to improve leadership in partnership working within the UK public services Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on one of the key complexities of collaboration and co‐operative working in the public service within the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses the attention on the difficulty of partnership working at a time when leading collaboration is a necessity for all leaders in the public sector. It explores one area of this complexity, namely game theory in order to offer an explanation why departments or organisations find it difficult to co‐operate as they should. Findings – The paper allows leaders to understand the complexities of co‐operation and the reason why there is often a tendency for individuals to act in a selfish manner on behalf of their organisation. Being aware of this behaviour will provide leaders with a greater ability to build trust and develop joint strategies which will provide positive outcomes. Originality/value – The paper will highlight how greater understanding of game theory including the prisoner dilemma and the stag hunt can help improve leadership, relationships and outcomes within partnerships. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Leadership in Public Services Emerald Publishing

Considering game theory to improve leadership in partnership working within the UK public services

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References (46)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1747-9886
DOI
10.1108/IJLPS-02-2013-0004
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on one of the key complexities of collaboration and co‐operative working in the public service within the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses the attention on the difficulty of partnership working at a time when leading collaboration is a necessity for all leaders in the public sector. It explores one area of this complexity, namely game theory in order to offer an explanation why departments or organisations find it difficult to co‐operate as they should. Findings – The paper allows leaders to understand the complexities of co‐operation and the reason why there is often a tendency for individuals to act in a selfish manner on behalf of their organisation. Being aware of this behaviour will provide leaders with a greater ability to build trust and develop joint strategies which will provide positive outcomes. Originality/value – The paper will highlight how greater understanding of game theory including the prisoner dilemma and the stag hunt can help improve leadership, relationships and outcomes within partnerships.

Journal

International Journal of Leadership in Public ServicesEmerald Publishing

Published: Feb 15, 2013

Keywords: Collaboration; Partnership; Co‐operation; Game theory; Prisoner dilemma; Stag hunt

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