Administrative Reform - Understanding Success and Failure

In this illuminating book, B. Guy Peters explores the common governmental practice of reforming the public bureaucracy. He identifies widespread successes and failures, while evaluating the efficacy of governmental reforms through political, economic and organisational lenses. Peters examines the difficulties in determining the objective success or failure of administrative reforms. He outlines the diverse perceptions of key actors such as politicians, administrators, citizens and analysts, as well as the different criteria they use to define effective implementation. Additionally, he highlights the drawbacks of using instruments like performance management to measure outcomes. Drawing on both theoretical and practical perspectives, the book investigates common barriers to successful reform including poor coordination, organizational failure and complexity. Peters analyses crucial strategic choices for reformers, with a particular focus on public personnel systems and administrative procedures. Administrative Reform,/i>will be warmly welcomed by scholars and students of administration, management, politics and public policy. It is also an essential resource for policymakers and practitioners within politics, administration and civil society seeking deeper understanding of valuable strategies for reform.