In January 1989, the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) started a three‐year, institution‐building project for Malawi′s three city councils. Discusses how it became apparent in Lilongwe that the project′s traditional notions of institution building were limited, and how its...

Looks at how radical some of the “Thatcherite” reforms in public management have been, and explores the structural changes to public sector organizations. Briefly examines the introduction of executive agencies in central government; the quasi‐market into the health service and competitive...

The information systems (IS) function dominates the delivery of information technology within UK local authorities. There is increasing evidence that many services will now be subjected to competitive tendering. Describes a research project which sought to identify the current organizational...

China′s market‐oriented reforms have brought about fundamental changes not just to its economy, but also to urban governance. The reforms have significantly changed urban development from its previous pattern which was largely determined by decision makers within the central government....

The introduction of quality in the public sector has received scant attention, particularly in the area of local authority social services departments. Examines the state of quality progress in social services departments throughout the UK. Findings are reported which suggest that several social...

With public services operating as monopolies, dissatisfied users cannot exit from the relation without changing patronage. Apart from exit from the region, voicing their dissatisfaction in order to influence the service offer becomes the only alternative. Industries and companies may be...

Consumer marketing techniques apply to public sector marketing. Cities can employ innovative targeted marketing capabilities to send a message to maximize an area′s greatest potential. Examines the how and what in a broad way, to provide stimulating ideas for city marketers and exposure to a...

A survey of Scottish local government IT managers confirms the existence of systems allowing modern decision support systems (DSS) to be successfully exploited. Extensive in‐house software exists across departmental functions indicating significant internal expertise. IT use is inversely...

Municipal or local governments worldwide are poorly prepared for the vast changes taking place in human resource management (HRM). Most aspects of organizational life are being transformed, and a strategy, that local governments can follow to avoid becoming a “backwater”, that will cease to...

Examines the concept of “empowerment”, and its implications for public sector management. Argues that it is not a single concept, but rather a cluster of concepts. Offers a typology of the different approaches to empowerment contained within this cluster, and details the issues that these...