Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Matthew R Fairholm
Abstract
The public administration literature provides many assertions as to what causes a city manager to consider when to remain in their position or relocate to a new position. This study identified variables that impact the decisions to change cities. This research surveyed current city managers in northern Midwest states to explore which variables make a difference. The variables were categorized to include considerations about personal concerns, career motivations, and organizational contexts. Simple analysis suggests that a decision to change cities is very much influenced by the perceived dysfunction of the city council and political or interest groups that influence the community, with a spouse’s employment opportunity and extended family in close proximity as also significant variables. A decision-making flow chart has been built to illustrate which factors seemed more influential in impacting the final decision to stay or leave. The key factor for relocation was related to council dysfunction which results in increased turnover of a city manager Also, the presence of political or interest groups can create a more unstable employment situation for the city manager. Additional key variables are the family situation as to spouse’s employment and other issues such as having extended family in close proximity, quality schools, extracurricular events, and the general ambiance of the city. This work extends the research on city management in general and more specifically the movement of managers from city to city.
Subject Categories
Political Science | Public Administration
Keywords
city manager, transition
Number of Pages
122
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
William Antonen, Patrick, "Should I Stay or Should I Go? A City Manager in Times of Transition" (2024). Dissertations and Theses. 238.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/238