It is impossible to define public value without the capability to pinpoint the stakeholders involve in a particular project. Project managers must be able to determine who they are and then interact with them. Project managers and the community leaders behind a publicly funded project must start with an idea in mind, but they should not develop a plan from start to finish without consulting with all stakeholders. Take, for example, a plan to build a youth center using an abandoned building. At first glance, it seems to be a great idea. But if the project managers and the politicians behind the project may have a different outlook the moment they begin to discuss with the various stakeholders. The stakeholders are the people who are supposed to benefit from the creation of the said youth center. They are also the people who live near the building site. The stakeholders can also be the property owners etc.
Public value is not created based on good intentions. Public value is created when the stakeholders and the general public agree that the project is beneficial in the long term. In other words, government agencies cannot force communities and individuals to embrace a particular project. The members of the community must decide for themselves if a project has value.
It is important to clarify that the Federal government or members of a community cannot initiate a project.
Take, for example, the lead poisoning crisis that gripped New York City in the 1960s. Children suffered from lead poisoning. Death and sickness became a common problem. Parents were worried, and many demanded a swift resolution to the problem. In a desperate move, the government authorized the release of significant sums of money and gave vast powers to one man in order to implement an urgent plan. But even with such powers, the man-in-charge failed to solve the problem. It is a powerful testimony to the power of perception. Stakeholders must understand that they are creating public value. It is one way to encourage them to collaborate and help in the implementation process.
The lead poisoning crisis is also a good example that power must be used to create public value. A good leader is not only someone who desires to create public value. A skilled leader will not stop until he has created something that benefits a significant number of people. There is a need to work with others in order to create public value.