Policy in Action

A valuable guide to the debates and choices to be made in the delivery of public services. The authors have achieved a rare combination of a thorough and thoughtful review of the literature and strongly expressed views. Essential reading for both students and practitioners trying to make sense of the ̀service delivery state'. Norman Flynn, Director, Centre for Financial and Management Studies, University of London. Modern governments have undergone significant change over the past 30 years. Such change has impacted on the way governments structure their organisations, deliver services and relate to their citizenry. Policy in Action is the first book to present a cogent analysis of the history, promise and prospects of the service delivery state. Applying a unique blend of political science, applied economics and experience drawn from policy practice, the authors chart the evolution of government service delivery and examine the principal influences on, and practical expressions of, public policy formulations across a variety of domains. The text is rich in insight, broad in scope and generously illustrated with case histories from Australia and overseas. It offers important insights on the conceptual and practical dimensions of public policy formulation, the determination of strategies for intervention, and the design and programs and services. It is an essential resouro researchers, policy practitioners and students of across a range of disciplines. --Book Jacket.