Conceptualizing public sector innovation as a context-specific process: Insights from Ghana

This study seeks to contribute to the emergent scholarship about public sector innovation (PSI). It does so by applying insights from Riggs’ Prismatic Model to explain the disappointing outcomes of PSI initiatives in... [ view full abstract ]

This study seeks to contribute to the emergent scholarship about public sector innovation (PSI). It does so by applying insights from Riggs’ Prismatic Model to explain the disappointing outcomes of PSI initiatives in developing countries. Based on the premise that many OECD countries have applied insights from PSI research to improve the public sector, that of developing countries remain stagnated in profound and complex challenges. In response, OECD countries are keen on transferring PSI initiatives purported to enhance public sector performance in developing countries. While such attempts may be well intended, the unique setting and context of developing countries often frustrate these efforts. Two questions deserve attention: (1) what attributes define the context of the public sector in developing countries? (2) To what extent and in what ways do these attributes subvert implementation of PSI initiatives transferred from OECD countries? This study attempts to answer these questions using Ghana as case study. The study employs qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, and draws on the Prismatic Model as a theoretical framework to explain findings. The results show that, like most developing countries, Ghana’s public sector is characterized by high levels of patronage and clientelism, unclear understanding of PSI and poor work culture, which undermine implementation of PSI initiatives from OECD countries. The study concludes that OECD countries should take cognizance of the context of developing countries, in order to design context-specific PSI initiatives for implementation.

Key words: public sector, innovation, Ghana, context, Prismatic Model.