Public Service Leadership

Well-led public administration is a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law. A functional society and independent nation require public administration to safeguard stability, democracy and inclusiveness. Well-led administration can implement sustainable development, which will ensure that future generations can enjoy prosperity. Overall sustainability is more than just social, economic and ecological sustainability. It also covers the sustainability of security, democracy and the rule of law as well as human and cultural sustainability. Finland’s diversified demographic structure is reflected in the personnel working in public administration, who are competent and committed to their work. Evolving administration and services are developed in cooperation with customers, including on the international level. This increases the openness of administration, boosts equality and inclusion and bolsters trust in society. Public service leadership promotes democracy and the rule of law as well as national prosperity even in times of uncertainty. 

Public administration is reformed as a whole and in cooperation between members of the public and various societal actors in order to safeguard the stability and integrity of society. The public have ever-increasing demands, which require well-functioning relationships and an equal partnership between central government, municipalities and well-being services counties. These demands also require more flexible, networked ways of working and providing services. Partnerships and co-development with businesses and third-sector organisations strengthen the capacity of all of society to function. 

The diversity and complexity of the changes taking place in the operating environment highlight overall sustainability and the importance of public service leadership. This means that good governance has to be maintained while also developing new efficient practices. At the same time, functions must be prioritised and some of them given up. Ongoing changes relate to, for example, the needs of future generations, the evolution of work, the polarisation of society, crises, technological development and economic sustainability. 

Good public service leadership requires competent and committed leaders who have the resources to act. Good public service leaders take responsibility for their entire organisation. This means simultaneously being responsible for the organisation's performance, its people, the sustainability of its governance and its development. Above all, good public service leaders are leaders of people and are also committed to their own development as a leader. 

The Ministry of Finance develops models for good public service leadership. It supports the management of ministries and government agencies in the development of management practices and of managers and also works with other public sector organisations. The goal is for all public employers to provide systematic support so that leaders can grow into and succeed in their roles. 

OECD Recommendation on Public Serivce Leadership 2019

Contact information

Ari Holopainen 
Senior Ministerial Adviser, Financial Affairs 
Tel. +358 295 530 520 
[email protected]