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Public administration is the set of instruments - the rules, incentives, organizations, information, systems and people - to implement public policy. Public Administration: The Basics is a reader-friendly and up-to-date synthesis of the subject, complete with relatable examples, analogies, and real-world illustrations.
The book offers practical insight without jargon and covers all major topics. The first three chapters describe the functions and organizational structure of government; the next three focus on the core issues of the management of public finances, government personnel, and public procurement; the final three chapters address government regulation, the provision of public services, and the interaction between government and the private sector. Public Administration: The Basics is an ideal first book for introductory public administration courses, as well as complementary reading for courses in political science, public economics, and international affairs. The book also serves as an accessible reference for busy policymakers, civil servants, and engaged citizens.
List of contents
1. Public Administration and Government 2. Policy Support and The Organization of Central Government 3. Decentralization and the Organization of Subnational Government 4. Managing the Money: Taxation, Budgeting and Expenditure Management 5. Managing the People: Government Employment, Wage Policy, and Administration 6. Managing the Purchases and Contracts: Public Procurement 7. Government Regulation 8. Public Service Provision 9. Interaction With Private Business
Summary
Public administration is the set of instruments – the rules, incentives, organizations, information, systems and people – to implement public policy. Public Administration: The Basics is a reader-friendly and up-to-date synthesis of the subject, complete with relatable examples, analogies, and real-world illustrations.
The book offers practical insight without jargon and covers all major topics. The first three chapters describe the functions and organizational structure of government; the next three focus on the core issues of the management of public finances, government personnel, and public procurement; the final three chapters address government regulation, the provision of public services, and the interaction between government and the private sector. Public Administration: The Basics is an ideal first book for introductory public administration courses, as well as complementary reading for courses in political science, public economics, and international affairs. The book also serves as an accessible reference for busy policymakers, civil servants, and engaged citizens.
Report
"Dr Schiavo-Campo's new book on the basics of public administration is a terrific contribution to this important subject. It is conceptually sound, well organized, clearly written and, despite its short length, covers all the major topics. With many real-life examples, this book is ideally suited as introductory text in university courses, as well as a primer for government employees and for the interested public at large."
Constantine Michalopoulos, former professor, Johns Hopkins University
"If only this book had been available twenty years ago, when governments were trying to reach a consensus on the essentials of an effective public administration! In addition to its utility as a teaching tool, this comprehensive but accessible book is a must-read for policymakers in the U.S. and other countries."
Eveline Herfkens, former Minister for Development Cooperation, The Netherlands
