The Foundations of Bureaucracy in Economic and Social Thought (Elgar Mini Series)

Product Description These two landmark volumes - prepared by leading authorities in the field - locate bureaucracy in its proper historical and theoretical context. They demonstrate that far from being a spent force bureaucratic organisations and processes are, and will continue to be, of central importance in the new millennium.Volume I outlines both the changing historical forms of bureaucracy and its operation in contemporary political systems before moving on to examine the detail of bureaucratic structures and processes. Volume II discusses bureaucrats in action and the political dimensions of bureaucratic power. In addition it explores the various critiques of bureaucracy before analysing the recent agendas for bureaucratic reform and the strengths and weaknesses of alternative structures.These two authoritative volumes will be essential reading for political scientists, historians, organisational and administrative theorists and students of public sector management old and new. Review 'When the review editor asked me whether I was interested in examining two volumes of edited articles with a total of around 1,500 pages my heart sank - another doorstop was on its way. Happily I can report to readers that these two volumes would be a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in the field of public administration and public policy. They provide a "one-stop shop" of all the major journal articles including some of the seminal pieces, in this area. . . Overall, these volumes make an excellent addition to any collection on public administration. The collection is comprehensive, the selection appropriate and the historical breadth wide. . . Put an order in now. You could do far worse, but you will rarely do much better than having these volumes in easy reach.' -- Scott Prasser, Public Administration Today About the Author Edited by the late Bill Jenkins, former Professor of Public Policy and Management, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK and Edward C. Page, Sidney and Beatrice Webb Professor of Public Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK