Rethinking the Reform Question
Editor: Ann Marie Bissessar
Date Of Publication: Dec 2007
Isbn13: 9781847183972
Isbn: 1-84718-397-2
In this comprehensive and very wide ranging collection of papers from specific countries across the globe, a group of eminent and capable academics in the fields of public administration, policy and management draw on a vast amount of theoretical, empirical and comparative data to provide an up to date and timely collection of work aiming to explain the underpinning currents of the public sector reform phenomenon. This is a set of excellently written papers, brought together as a whole to provide a first rate resource for current and existing scholars in the field. Most of the research is based on empirical case material from some of the CARICOM countries, but one of the book’s key strengths is the keen location of findings on firm theoretical foundations, backed up with existing comparative data from other parts of the globe.

It will prove a useful, first rate resource for other scholars who want to ascertain the key trends, challenges and dilemmas of public sector reform across the world. The first two, thought-provoking chapters set the global context of public sector reform, but are also strong on theoretical and comparative analysis. The remaining chapters introduce readers to a series of excellent in-depth, empirical and theoretical contributions, but they are not confined to the cases and countries under investigation, as all draw from existing theoretical, empirical and comparative data sources. The authors have given us a deeper sense of understanding of the countries being examined, and their underpinning knowledge of the political systems within which public sector reforms are taking place is very evident in this excellent book. Taken as a whole, this publication provides a set of well written chapters that will provide a very interesting reading.

Ann Marie Bissessar is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Behavioural Sciences, The University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus. She is well noted for her work on Colonial Administrative Practices and Structures which she claims laid the bed- rock for the structure and functioning of bureaucracies in ex-colonial societies. She is the author/editor/co-author of approximately twelve books and has written over sixty articles in the more scholarly journals. Dr Bissessar was formerly a public servant serving with the public service of Trinidad for nearly twenty years. She has also done extensive research on health care in the Caribbean as well as conducted research on affirmative action, public policy challenges and female participation in the electoral process.

'Governance and Institutional Re-engineering comprises a series of thought-provoking articles on governance and the institutions of governance. It commences with amounts to a plea by a well-respected academician in the field of Public Administration, Gerald Caiden, in an article entitled " Toward Cleaner Government." The book brings together scholars from across the world. In setting out their various perspectives, integrity in public life, women and politics and neighbourhood management among the various themes, the writers demonstrate the range and diversity of debates involved in the governance of any country. The book was certainly successful in presenting an interesting, informed, well written discussion of contemporary challenges and recent discussions in the field of government and public administration.'

Professor Tom Christensen, Professor in Political Science, University of Oslo

'Governance and Institutional Re-engineering is indeed a timely addition to the academic literature on a now well-discussed phenomenon referred to as 'governance.' In this book, twelve academics from around the globe present differing and unique perspectives on 'governance' and the mechanisms involved in governance. The book exposes readers with issues and challenges presented by leading academics from the UK, Canada, Africa and the Caribbean. Themes vary from women and the political process, neighbourhood management, representative bureaucracy, HIV/AIDS and health care, and integrity in public life. It explores the varying facets of governance and provides many thought provoking questions and debates on areas that are all critical in the governance process. This is certainly a book that provides very useful information for policy makers, politicians, students and interested citizens.'

Professor Evan Berman, the Huey McElveen Distinguished Professor of Public Administration at Louisiana State University. Recent books include The Professional Edge ( M.E. Sharpe, 2004), Essential Statistics for Public Managers and Policy Analysts ( Congressional Quarterly Press, 2007).

Price Uk Gbp: 34.99
Price Us Usd: 52.99

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