The only textbook that focuses specifically on how organization theory can be adapted to the special characteristics of public organizations. It has been fully updated to incorporate recent developments affecting the public sector such as the financial crisis, the immigration crises and other wicked issues.

1 Organization theory for the public sector2 An instrumental perspective3 A cultural perspective4 A myth perspective5 Goals, values and motivation6 Leadership and steering7 Reform and change8 Effects, learning and implications9 Understanding and designIndex

"Students of the public sector often forget that governments are composed of organizations, and that to understand governing we also need to understand how organizations function. This book is a welcome antidote to thinking about government in only individualistic or economic terms. Christensen, Lægreid and Røvik help us understand better the complex and subtle interactions within and among organizations in the public sector, and provide very useful perspective on governing."Professor B. Guy Peters, Maurice Falk Professor of American Government, University of Pittsburgh"Christensen, Lægreid and Røvik convincingly demonstrate that insights from organization theories provide an indispensable basis for understanding the complex organization of states. Furthermore, by their rich analysis of problems, dilemmas and solutions in public organizations, they illustrate that the study of state organization is vital for developing organization theory."Professor Nils Brunsson, Professor of Management, Uppsala University and Score"Complex societies require a complex set of organizations. This book unpacks the complexity and hybridity of organizations by looking at their instrumental, cultural, and mythical side. When public sector organizations become part of societal solutions, this book becomes part of how to understand and develop organizations that will solve our problems."Professor Geert Bouckaert, KU Leuven Public Governance Institute