Drawing on recent advances in the social sciences, this volume shows how rigorous, theory-based empirical research can help improve the management of public policies and programs—and how better governance can lead to better performance.
These original essays demonstrate how better data and improved statistical techniques have allowed researchers to construct more complex models of governance processes and thereby assess the effects of many variables on policy and program outcomes. They present useful research results that illuminate such issues as automatic grade advancement in public schools, management of federally-funded job-training programs, reducing welfare caseloads, and management of welfare-to-work programs.
Illustrating a range of theoretical and methodological possibilities, this book shows how more sophisticated research in public management can help improve government performance.
Reviews
"This book represents the leading edge in governance and performance research and is an important contribution to the literature of public administration and public policy."—Perspectives on Political Science
"Ambitious . . . Important reading for anyone interested in the relationship between governance and performance and is a worthwhile purchase for academic libraries . . . A welcome foray into the huge research terrain of the performance of public organisations."—Local Government Studies
"Provocative and insightful . . . a good overview of organizational design issues for those who have an interest in bureaucracy and policy, as well as for those who would embark on any study of government."—American Political Science Review
"This book tackles the central challenge for academics in public management: generating knowledge that is durable as well as policy relevant."—Alasdair Roberts, Woodrow Wilson Center
About the Author
Carolyn J. Heinrich is assistant professor of public policy analysis at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Laurence E. Lynn, Jr., is Sydney Stein, Jr. Professor of Public Management at the University of Chicago.
