Public Administration: The Basics

Description

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. Cover Endorsements Half Title Series Title Copyright Contents Preface 1 Public Administration and Government The Meaning of Public Administration The Public-Private Relationship When Is Government Intervention Justified? How Big Is the Government? The Global Picture How Effective Can Government Be? The Role of Institutions, Culture and Capacity Principles and Performance Criteria of Public Administration Annex: Basic Terminology of State and Government 2 Policy Support and the Organizational Structure of Central Government The Weight of History Policy Making Administrative Mechanisms to Support Policy Making The Organizational Structure of Central Government Annex: Federal Government Structure of the United States 3 Decentralization and the Organization of Subnational Government The Geographic Distribution of Government Powers Decentralization Managing the Cities Annex: State and Local Government in the United States 4 Managing the Money: Taxation, Budgeting and Expenditure Rationale and Principles of Taxation: A Brief Summary Government Budgeting and Expenditure Management Budget Preparation Budget Execution Fiscal Risk, Fiscal Responsibility and Fiscal Rules Financing the Budget External Audit and Evaluation Legislative Debate and Amendments The Budget Process at Subnational Level Annex: Fiscal Trends and Expenditure Management in the United States 5 Managing the People: Government Employment, Wage Policy and Personnel Administration Employment Policy Compensation Policy Personnel Management Fighting Discrimination and Promoting Inclusiveness Annex: Government Personnel Policy and Management in the United States 6 Managing the Purchases and Contracts: Government Procurement The Role of Government Procurement Objectives of Government Procurement Other Objectives The Process of Public Procurement Contract Management and Monitoring Major Issues in Public Procurement Managing Risk Annex: Government Procurement in the United States 7 Government Regulation Justification and Types of Government Regulation The Benefits and Costs of Regulation Regulatory Enforcement and Regulatory Relief Regulatory Inflation and Deregulation Efforts Economic Regulation Around the World Annex: Government Regulation in the United States 8 Providing Public Services The General Setting “Voice”: Communicating and Listening to the Citizen Annex: The Special Case of Conflict-Affected Countries 9 Government Interaction with Private Business Providing Public Service Users with Choices Outsourcing to Private Companies Outsourcing to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Annex: Two Cases in Brief 10 A Brief Concluding Word Suggested Readings