Public Management Reform: A Comparative Analysis

TLDR

Public Management Reform, first published in 2000, has become the standard comparative text on recent changes in public management and administration across Europe, North America, and Australasia. The second edition updates empirical data, expands the theoretical framework with a new interpretation of continental European trends versus Anglo‑American New Public Management, and presents an integrated, multi‑dimensional analysis of reform outcomes and their political dynamics. The edition expands the comparison to twelve countries, offers a fuller treatment of the European Commission and an unparalleled synthesis of developments across Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and the European Commission, and includes extensive appendices that serve as an invaluable resource for students.

Abstract

Since its publication in 2000, Public Management Reform has established itself as the standard text in the field, presenting a comparative analysis of recent changes in Public Management and Public Administration in a range of countries in Europe, North America, and Australasia. This completely rewritten second edition radically expands, develops, and updates the original. Two countries have been added to the comparison (making twelve countries in all) and a much fuller treatment has been provided of the European Commission (including a commentary on the recent reforms led by Vice-President Kinnock). Empirical data has been brought up to date, so as to cover many key developments of the last few years. The theoretical framework of the book has been further developed, including a challenging new interpretation of the trends in continental Europe, which are seen here as markedly different from the Anglo-American style 'New Public Management'. This second edition provides an unparalleled synthesis of developments in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and the European Commission. It is organized in an integrated format, within an overall theoretical framework that identifies the main pressures for, and trajectories of, change. It includes a multi-dimensional analysis of the results of reform, and a chapter reflecting on the dynamic relationship between management reform and politics. Extensive appendices provide an invaluable information resource for students.