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Models of public service reform : a problem-solving approach

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  • McCourt, Willy

Abstract

This paper identifies six models of public service reform that have been practiced in developing countries over the past half-century. It critically reviews their implementation, discussing them as attempted solutions to problems that have arisen in the policy process in different countries. The models are: public administration; decentralization; pay and employment reform; New Public Management; integrity and corruption reforms; and"bottom-up"reforms. The paper seeks an explanation for their disappointing performance in the political economy of reform, with an emphasis on how learning from failure can be the paradoxical foundation of future success.

Suggested Citation

  • McCourt, Willy, 2013. "Models of public service reform : a problem-solving approach," Policy Research Working Paper Series 6428, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6428
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Rauch, James E. & Evans, Peter B., 2000. "Bureaucratic structure and bureaucratic performance in less developed countries," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 75(1), pages 49-71, January.
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    6. Schick, Allen, 1998. "Why Most Developing Countries Should Not Try New Zealand's Reforms," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 13(1), pages 123-131, February.
    7. Willy McCourt, 2001. "The New Public Selection? Anti-corruption, psychometric selection and the new public management in Nepal," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(3), pages 325-343, September.
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    11. Francis, Paul & James, Robert, 2003. "Balancing Rural Poverty Reduction and Citizen Participation: The Contradictions of Uganda's Decentralization Program," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 325-337, February.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Elena Vasilieva & Mariia Rubtcova & Valentina Kaisarova & Alexander Kaisarov & Oleg Pavenkov, 2015. "Personal Targets for Public Servants and Their Support the Governance’s Performance Conception in Russia," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 5(4), pages 246-252.
    3. Fialová Dana & Jiroutová Nikol, 2017. "Strategy of Czech Medium-Sized Royal Towns with Regard to Tourism Development," Czech Journal of Tourism, Sciendo, vol. 6(2), pages 187-220, December.

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    Keywords

    National Governance; Public Sector Economics; Public Sector Management and Reform; Public Sector Corruption&Anticorruption Measures; Public Sector Expenditure Policy;
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