Women managing public services innovation: European cross-country evidence on drivers and barriers

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the drivers and barriers that influence women’s capacity to innovate in public services. A theoretical framework and related hypotheses are proposed by drawing on new public management theory, self-determination theory and gender theory. Design/methodology/approach – The hypotheses are tested on survey data gathered in six European countries (N = 736). Findings – The results show that women managing public services innovation face more barriers and drivers than men in the European context. Barriers to public services innovation in Europe are gendered. Originality/value – The findings presented here challenge some assumptions from new public management theory and self-determination theory. Also, the role of women in managing public services innovation appears to be evolving over time. The implications of these findings for research and policy are highlighted.