Finding an alternative to bureaucratic models of organization in the public sector

Demands for enhanced levels of efficiency and effectiveness have caused man y to question traditional bureaucratic forms in public sector organizations . Team-based structures have been cited as an attractive alternative, perce ived as facilitating the necessary levels of flexibility, innovation and re sponsiveness. Through the case of one Next Steps agency, the authors explor e the difficulties encountered by rigid bureaucracies in their attempts to introduce team-working. It is argued that cultural change must act as a piv ot for movement towards structural change, embodying all of the perceived p ositive aspects off team-working within public sector organizations. This w ill, in turn, facilitate the achievement of desired performance outcomes.