CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: THE DYNAMICS

Change is not confined to one country or continent alone; it is not restricted to governments and organizations, nor is it limited to social systems and their environment. It has no boundary. Given the complexity, uncertainty, dynamism and volatility associated with changes which have impact on governments and organizations, governments and its institutions must be prepared in anticipating such changes and develop management strategies to mitigate its impact upon its systems, structures, practices and citizens. The response to management change in the public sector rest within the realm of leader ship, both political and bureaucratic. It is within this context that this paper examines the wishes and realities of change management in the public sector. The methodology adopted was the review of research papers, conference material, white papers, technical papers and reports, textbooks, and specific Nigeria experiences of public sector change efforts since independence. The paper concluded that managing change requires time and knowledge resources more than anything else, and that the success of a change project, change management and reform requires the support and commitment of politicians, public/civil servants, civil society and the masses.