“This book belongs in every master of public administration program.” (*) The new context and character of public service—shifting values, entrepreneurship, information technology, multi-sector careers—require a "skills triangle" of technical, ethical, and leadership abilities. This concise and readable work focuses on these three essential skills, and describes what it means to be a consummate professional public servant. Essential reading for students, the book sets standards for anyone who conducts the public's business, and links them with performance management, human resource administration, and information technology skills. Filled with original illustrative examples, case studies, and exemplar profiles, the book is an ideal supplement for any introductory course in Public Administration. Endorsements:

"This book belongs in every master of public administration program. The authors tackle some of the public services' most difficult dilemmas. The book's timely and thought-provoking examples provide for lively discussion. Given the backdrop of the recent economic crisis, a professional ethics dialogue is needed now more than ever, making Achieving Competencies in Public Service an invaluable resource in the classroom." — R. Paul Battaglio, Jr., The University of Texas at Dallas (*)

“An excellent resource for public administration students. The book weaves together three broad components necessary for today's public servants—technique, ethics, and leadership. The book will be an excellent resource for Public Administration students; I've been searching for a book like this to help tie together my overview course in public administration. Using this book provides students with necessary competencies that will help them bridge the different subject matters under the public administration umbrella while providing students with skills they can take with them into the workforce." — Doug Goodman, Mississippi State University

"Public service today requires a level of professionalism never before seen in government. What are the necessary skills and competencies, and how best to attain them? This book answers those questions and provides scholars, students, and practitioners with the knowledge and implementation skills needed to create not only effective public leaders, but visionary ones." — Carole L. Jurkiewicz, Louisiana State University

"Once again this book occupies an important niche in the PA literature. It provides a concise, yet comprehensive treatment of professional competencies. For students, it is accessible and interesting. For instructors, it is pedagogically useful, with plentiful exhibits and cases. The authors’ changes and updates serve to improve an already important and useful supplementary text." — Jerrell Coggburn, North Carolina State University

“Bowman, West, and Beck have produced a significantly expanded and improved second edition. Intended as a companion to introductory texts, the more developed competency model and expanded case studies in this edition will work well in a variety of courses. Did we rush too quickly into management and organizational practices that complemented self-interested political agendas and encouraged institutional decline? The authors’ analysis and commentary provoke these kinds of questions and thereby add value to the book as a stimulant to important discussions in classrooms and conferences as well as in the field.” — Review of Public Personnel Administration