The Whole‐of‐Government Approach to Public Sector Reform

Abstract

In this article, the authors discuss “whole‐of‐government” initiatives as a reaction to the negative effects of New Public Management reforms such as structural devolution, “single‐purpose organizations,” and performance management but also as a reaction to a more insecure world. The authors examine what is meant by a “whole‐of‐government” approach and explore how this concept might be interpreted in analytical terms. The structural approach is contrasted with a cultural perspective and a myth‐based perspective. Finally, results, experiences, and lessons from the whole‐of‐government movement are discussed.