Combinations Of Decentralization And Decision Making In Pinellas County

There is no ideal organization, and the type of organizations vary from locality to locality. In 2011 Pinellas County took the initiative to merge Public Works and Utilities as part of balancing the budget. While cost savings were likely by reducing administrative functions, the main objectives achieve improved processes and production efficiencies (The Pen, February, 2011). There are many factors that influence the functions performed, from historical growth to the downturn of the economy, to geographic considerations. The commonality of the functions performed by the departments had potential to improve efficiencies and enhance customer service. In a time of diminishing resources and increasing public expectations, local management must …show more content…
Combinations of decentralized and centralized decision making within an organization related to its primary line of operations functions can be utilized. Important decisions should be reserved to department heads and the expertise of front line staff. Policy and operational decisions are reserved for city/county managers because of the need for accountability to elected officials and the community. Decentralization offers better coordination and conformity when decisions come from one point of the organization, with avoidance of contradictory decisions from different parts of the organization, more expertise and specialization by staff, specific supervisor and manager knowledge and perspective (Emerson, Menkus, and Van Ness, p. 39, …show more content…
By focusing on core services, improved service levels and efficiencies the individual departments are able to meet the needs of the citizens of Pinellas County. Public leaders are able to engage in citizens and provide core services as a means to stay focused on essential and required functions. The establishment of core services by the elected officials is an on-going process that culminates each year with the budget. The strategic initiatives pursued by the elected officials should cross boundaries by forming productive external partnerships with other service providers. Collaboration between departments is possible without the centralization of two distinct service providers. Shared resources is expected to facilitate an ongoing partnership which elevates both departments’ capabilities to deliver services and goods to citizens and customers. Collaborations occur to help make better and better products or services that serve real human needs at lower and lower costs. There have already been improvements in collaboration and efficiency by leveraging resources for the common goal. Pinellas County has been through many changes in response to the decline in the economy. While Pinellas County has always had an outstanding record when it comes to providing public services, the new structure will only make the organization