Purpose – This paper introduces the symposium on public management reform and its impact on public servant's identity. It provides both a descriptive and theoretical context within which the other contributions to the symposium can be located. Design/methodology/approach – It is based on a...

Purpose – To compare and contrast the changes introduced in Canada and Switzerland as a result of public management reforms and explore the ethical challenges they entail. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study of two countries based in part on secondary sources but also on...

Purpose – This paper examines the effects of performance driven public services on managerial behaviour and the values that influence individual actions. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is historical/institutional within a constructed theoretical framework Findings – Fuelled by...

Purpose – This article reviews a set of studies depicting how public officials (agents) in French public utilities have reacted, in practical terms, to customer‐focused reforms. Design/methodology/approach – The article is based on data drawn from labour studies commissioned by French...

Purpose – To investigate the interdependence between organizational forms and the identities of managers and front line personnel in government services. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual paper based upon and adding to theories and typologies developed by Douglas and Considine and...