INTEGRATED PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

This academic article aimed to study the approach of integrated public sector management, focusing on enhancing the competence of local leaders in cross-agency management amidst the complex challenges of modern bureaucratic reform. The study indicated that traditional mission-based, fragmented management was no longer effective in addressing regional development. The key to success lied in transforming the core competencies of local leaders, shifting from a commanding role to a facilitator and highly capable network builder, enabling them to coordinate collaborative tasks. Modern leaders need strategic competencies in applying big data systems for accurate decision-making, reducing project and budget duplication, and establishing cybersecurity and data ethics standards to build public trust. The synthesized new knowledge is the “Centrist Leadership Model,” a key to seamlessly integrating the capabilities of various sectors public, private, and civil society leading to enhanced personnel capabilities and improved procedures that facilitate cross-agency collaboration. This results in highly efficient regional management and sustainably improves the quality of life for citizens, in accordance with good governance in the digital age.