An introduction and guide to the dramatic changes that have occurred in the provision of public services over the last two decades, this book combines theoretical perspectives with a range of case studies from Europe, North America and further afield to explain why, how, and with what success liberal democracies have reformed the service role of the state. The book pays close attention to four major dimensions of this transition: External challenges and opportunities - globalisation and EU integration; Reducing the role of the state - Liberalisation, privatisation, regulation and competition policy; Improving the role of the state - New Public Management, e-Government and beyond; and, Managing the New Public Sector - organisations, strategy and leadership. This text is designed for undergraduate courses in public governance, but it also addresses the core components of MPA programmes - the parameters, tools, principles and theories of public sector reform.
Introduction Liberalising and Modernising Public Services Internationalisation, Globalisation and Liberalisation Strategic Challenges for Public Governance European Integration Recapturing Sovereignty and Institutionalising Liberalisation Liberalisation and Privatization Regulation and Competition Policy Modernising Public Administration To the New Public Management and Beyond Modernising Government eGovernment Organisational Design and Institutional Governance Tools of Management and Leadership Conclusion Public Service Delivery in the 'Knowledge Society'