Second, when public administrators take risks, they are
not entrepreneurs of their own businesses who can make
such decisions knowing the consequences of failure will
fall largely on their own shoulders. Risk in the public sector is different. In the New Public Service, risks and opportunities reside within the larger framework of democratic citizenship and shared responsibility. Because the
consequences of success and failure are not limited to a
single private business, public administrators do not single handedly decide what is best for a community. This need
not mean that all short term opportunities are lost. If dialogue and citizen engagement is ongoing, opportunities and
potential risks can be explored in a timely manner. The
important factor to consider is whether the benefits of a
public administrator taking immediate and risky action in
response to an opportunity outweighs the costs to trust,collaboration, and the sense of shared responsibility.