Understanding Public Management

This book is an introduction and guide to the dramatic changes that have occurred in the provison of public services over the last two decades. The authors combine theoretical perspectives with a global 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 opportunties: 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

• 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.