How To Be An Effective City Manager: Narrative Insights From Leaders Within The Profession

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze what is necessary to be an effective city manager. Based upon a review of the literature that is presented in Chapter 1, a semi-structured survey was developed which allowed the researcher to interview city managers about the primary aspects of managing a city. The theoretical framework of this dissertation rest on the assumption that city managers can articulate for themselves what is necessary to be an effective city manager. In addition, since these professionals operate in an inter-subjective environment, the narrative method was utilized as a mode of inquiry in order to encapsulate the diversity of perspectives and techniques that are used by city managers to fulfill their roles within the governance of the municipality. This research contributes to the public administration literature by informing us about the following: 1) the strategies used by individuals to actually become city managers; 2) the methods used by city managers to improve the effectiveness of the governing body; 3) strategies used to develop an effective executive team; 4) steps city managers are taking to adjust to the Great Recession; and, 5) how city managers stay current on the changes occurring within the profession. This dissertation also makes recommendations on the strategies local governments can use to adjust to the political, economic and social transformations occurring in the 21st century.