"Since its first publication in 2015, Alan Shark's Technology and Public Management has been the go-to guide for anyone who wants to understand the role technology plays in government — and government in technology — at the local, state, and federal levels. The long-awaited second edition catches up on the intervening seven years of technology's evolution and expands attention to the nonprofit sector, the international contexts of technology usage, and the relationships between technology and broader social trends, such as trust in expertise and institutions. There is something here for everyone, from digital savants to people who prefer paper and pencil to keyboards and pixels. Shark is a knowledgeable, deeply experienced guide who knows that what matters most is not the digitalization of government and social service per se, but the way that leaders deploy technology to advance or imperil the common good; readers who follow his recommendations will be much more likely to wind up in the former camp than the latter."
David Birdsell, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kean University. Former Dean, Baruch College’s Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs
"With this update to a premier text for public administration in the 21st century, Dr. Shark provides a roadmap for leaders at all levels of government and in the nonprofit sector—and teachers of future leaders in this space—regarding how technology drives public sector missions and outcomes. Perhaps more importantly, Dr. Shark highlights how public administrators can leverage technology in their work, enabling greater effectiveness for the people served by government programs and civil society advocacy. The text tracks the evolution of key topics in managing technology that range from mobile devices and broadband access to cybersecurity and privacy. Readers will learn both foundational content and practical applications that they can adapt in their own work. Dr. Shark’s text leaves the field of public administration in a better place."
Dan Chenok, Executive Director, IBM Center for The Business of Government
"The business of government and delivering citizen services today is dependent on technology. As technology capabilities have surged forward, new considerations for citizen expectations, privacy, security, and ethical matters have emerged. Regardless of one’s role in government or public administration, achieving effective, equitable outcomes in government requires that one have an appreciation for the critical decision factors and actions to align human achievement and technology capability. Dr. Shark’s text captures the recent learnings from our largest global pivot to remote work and the key elements of emerging technology to create a reference that is understandable by those outside the technology community. It enables mission contributors across disciplines to engage in important dialogues for how technology is used to serve the interests of our nation."
Suzette Kent, Former United States Federal CIO and CEO, Kent Advisory Services
"Information technology is deeply embedded in every aspect and every level of public administration. Whether simplifying internal operations, delivering public-facing services, governing power generation and water distribution systems, or conducting elections, public administrators must understand these IT tools and systems and ensure that they remain simple, effective, and secure. Dr. Shark’s invaluable text lays out these issues in a clear and understandable way, even for those without an IT background. This book should be on the desk of every public leader who seeks to deploy public technology to deliver equitable outcomes and build trust."
Teresa Gerton, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration
"There is perhaps no greater area of expertise for governments to grasp than information technology. Alan Shark’ ground-breaking book Technology and Public Management is required reading for most government officials and students who want to make a career in government. The second edition brings us all up to date as Shark reviews all the major areas of technology impacting government today as well as the cross-cutting issues of project management, human resources, and privacy and ethics. This is a true IT bible for public sector officials."
Robert D. Atkinson, President of The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
"As informative as Technology and Public Management may be for IT wizards, its true value lies in what it contributes to the work of those who do not have "information" or "technology" in their position descriptions. Change. Convergence. Interdependence. Visualizing the Future. Alan Shark, in a most readable and applied way, proves the age-old adage that the only constant is change. It is in the public sector, more than anywhere else, that applying technology effectively, efficiently and equitably has the greatest real world and life altering impacts. Technology and Public Management is a must read for every current and aspiring public manager—regardless of their job title—who works on the front lines to serve the public good."
Bill Shields, Executive Director, American Society for Public Administration
"Advanced students of public affairs and government today require a strong foundation in how public policy and administration are intertwined with information technology. Dr. Shark’s insightful text helps us explore all the nuances of technology policy and public management. We at the Schar School are particularly proud of Dr. Shark’s contribution to the field and believe this second edition will continue to be the leading resource for public technology management."
Mark J. Rozell, Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government and Ruth D. and John T. Hazel Chair in Public Policy, George Mason University
