New paradigms for government

The calls for "reinventing government" are ringing loud and clear, and the attention given to this movement has generated a number of ideas that suggest new paradigms for reforming government. But most of the major recommendations are based on principles drawn from outside the world of public administration, utilizing private sector reform models or limited local case studies.

In New Paradigms for Government, the authors show that, to achieve true reform, advocates must have a thorough understanding of academic research and policy agendas as they apply specifically to the public sector. The chapters in this book were written by some of the most respected scholars in the field of public administration as a response to a perceived lack of research and systematic analysis of the issues involved in reforming government.

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Divided into three distinct parts, the book explores what government organizations really do, how they can manage change effectively, and how they are to remain accountable under the new paradigm. The authors examine the changing realities of government work and suggest how government organizations can "work smarter" in purchasing services, managing contracts, and other areas.

They examine specific personnel and human resource management issues - including a practical examination of the Senior Executive Service - and analyze the changes in workforce characteristics and expectations on public management, employee commitment, and the roles of leaders. They also discuss the fundamental connection between politics and administrative change, including an insightful look at the influence of the courts on internal resources and personnel.

In addition, the book explores the myriad aspects of accountability and governance in today's more flexible and discretionary environment, presenting alternative accountability mechanisms and their relationship to change and reform. New Paradigms for Government demonstrates both the very real need for change in the public sector and the complexities of designing and achieving it.