Introduction to Comparative Public Administration: Administrative Systems and Reforms in Europe, Third Edition

This updated third edition of the Introduction to Comparative Public Administration explores the cultural, organizational, personnel and financial aspects of public administration across a wide range of European countries. The authors provide country profiles, comparative reform assessments and case studies to highlight the similarities and differences among European public administrations, with key learning objectives highlighted for each chapter. Key Features of this third edition: Examples from both Western and Central Eastern European administrative systems In-depth empirical analysis paired with case studies of administrative systems and reform trajectories to enhance students' comparative interest, knowledge and skills Accounts of recent reforms and institutional changes, such as digitalization in public administration, as well as the major trends of public sector modernization in an era of multiple crises This revised textbook is an indispensable resource for students, researchers and lecturers of political and administrative sciences, public management and the wider social sciences. It is also of great interest to policymakers, NGOs, administrators and public CEOs interested in systems reform in Europe as well as the major trends of public sector modernization in an era of multiple crises.

Table of Contents:
Contents Preface to the third edition 1 Introduction 2 Theories and analytical approaches 3 Models and traditions of public administration in Europe: country profiles 4 Administrative reforms from a comparative perspective 5 Comparative summary 6 Future prospects of comparative public administration Recommended reading References

About the Author :
Sabine Kuhlmann, Professor of Political Sciences, Administration and Organization, University of Potsdam, Hellmut Wollmann, Professor Emeritus of Public Administration, Social Science Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin and Renate Reiter, Senior Fellow at the Chair of Political Science III: Policy Analysis and Environmental Policy, FernUniversität of Hagen, Germany

Review :
‘With a new co-author, Renate Reiter, the long-awaited third edition of this classic in European comparative public administration is now available. Maintaining the framework of a parallel comparison among six countries – France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, and the UK – the book analyses the most recent developments in modernisation approaches comprehensively under five aspects: central-local relations, territorial reform, government-market relations, structural reform within government and digital transformation. Can the Neo-Weberian State replace New Public Management?’ ‘The revision of this seminal book reconfirms its position as the most comprehensive book in the field of comparative public administration. It manages very convincingly to combine theoretical models and concepts with deep insight into diverse administrative traditions and structures on different levels, but also to add newer trends like digitalization, reflecting the profound changes the COVID-19 pandemic caused.’ ‘A thorough, well-researched analysis of contemporary comparative European public administration. The third edition offers especially insightful perspectives on recent digitalization, administrative reform, and EU developments. A must-read for serious students and scholars in this field.’ ‘What a delight to see a third, and thoroughly updated, edition of this solid book on comparative public administration. It is amazing that the three authors have been able to capture so many changes and reforms in the past five years in such a concise manner. Appointed and elected public servants as well as academics will benefit from perusing and digesting its pages.’