A collection of essays that examine changes to the political and economic environment, and the ways in which the governments have responded. They attempt to explain what is happening in government in the late 20th century, and suggest changes that can be expected in the future.

The civil service culture and administrative reform, Luc Rouban; the marketization of the state - citizens, consumers, and the emergence of public markets, Jon Pierre; globalization and governance, Donald J. Savoie; politicians, public servants, and public management - getting government right?, Peter Aucoin; policy advice and the public service, John Halligan; accountability and administrative reform - toward convergence and beyond, Philip Cooper; management techniques in the public sector - beware the voice from the pulpit?, Christopher Pollitt; quality management in public organizations - prospects and dilemmas, Patricia W. Ingraham; public sector innovation - the implications of new forms of organization and work, Sandford Borins; the public service, the changing state and governance, B. Guy Peters.