A Capabilities Framework for a Globalised Public Service

Abstract

Today’s public administrators and policymakers face challenges of climate change, global health epidemics, terrorism, migration and economic failure while still retaining the charge of providing sound government and services at the national, state and local levels. This chapter explores that context by turning the focus to the public servants whose daily work makes public policy possible. It reviews the literature on cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership and draws upon in-depth interviews with 23 opinion leaders working with Australia’s public service to offer a capabilities framework for a globalised public service. This framework sets out the skills, capabilities, knowledge and experiences that will support effective public administration leadership in the twenty-first century.