Working with this public can be as simple as providing
specific services for individual members of the
public when they come as customers seeking discrete
services, such as a garbage pickup when a collection
is missed. At other times, public managers need
the public’s help in producing services or pursuing
public goals. Here, individuals may work as partners
with government, for example, by sorting recyclables
from other waste prior to collection by government.
On still other occasions, managers deliberate with
the public to answer larger questions about what
services to provide or how to exercise governmental
authority. Members of the public then assume what
is arguably their most important role, as citizens,
deliberating with public managers over the direction
of government, as when discussing whether to adopt a
new recycling program. Finally, in probably the most
common scenario, public managers must work with
members of the public in more than one of these roles
at a time, as when people expect to be treated courteously
and helpfully, like customers, as they also voice
opinions, as citizens, on the nature of public programs
in which they might assist, as partners.