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In public administration good sense would seem to require that public expectation be kept at the lowest possible level in order to minimize eventual disappointment.
John Kenneth Galbraith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Public leaders should manage expectations to prevent disappointment.

John Kenneth Galbraith's quote emphasizes the importance of setting realistic and low expectations in public administration. By doing so, leaders can minimize the risk of disappointment among the public, fostering a more stable and positive perception of government actions and policies.

Themes

Public AdministrationExpectationsDisappointmentLeadership

In practice

Example use cases

During a public speech about budget cuts, a politician could use this quote to frame expectations amongst constituents.

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