Sound machinery of government is at the core of a well-functioning state. Written by an author with wide experience in public administration globally, this book addresses both the commonalities and the diversity of administrative practice around the world. Exploring developed countries as well as developing and transitional economies, it combines a strong conceptual foundation with thorough coverage of the main topics in public administration, supported by current data and a wealth of concrete illustrations from a variety of countries.

The book is organized around three important themes: the interaction of governance, politics and administration, the role of institutions in determining administrative outcomes, and the importance of country context. A concluding chapter summarizes the lessons of international experience and offers guidance to improve the management of the public sector in sustainable ways. Running the Government will serve as a core text for courses in public administration and as a supplement for undergraduate and graduate courses in political science, public economics, and international affairs. It may also serve as an accessible and complete reference for civil service training courses around the globe.

About the Author

Salvatore "Rino" Schiavo-Campo is a former senior official at the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund, following a full academic career that concluded as Professor and Chairman of Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He has provided high-level advice to governments of over 50 countries, and he is the author of numerous scholarly articles and 15 books on topics in governance and public administration, public financial management, economic development, and post-conflict reconstruction, including Government Budgeting and Expenditure Management (Routledge, 2017).

Reviews

"Running the Government brilliantly and boldly asks and answers fundamental questions of how to build administrative capacity in an era when governance is challenged by globalization, information technology, demands for higher performance, and tougher public scrutiny. Dr. Schiavo-Campo examines the machinery of government both in terms of how it operates and its connections to society. With its historical perspective, national and international scope, and trenchant advice, this book is a true classic in public administration." - Allen Schick, University of Maryland, USA

"This is not only a comprehensive but also a lively account of the politics and practice of public administration in developed and developing countries. Schiavo-Campo's engaging writing style enables students' understanding of complex issues, and entices seasoned academics and government practitioners to think again. In these pages, history lives and bumps up against problems of the present and future." - Richard Batley, University of Birmingham, UK

"Dr. Schiavo-Campo has written a new, useful book, on the importance of institutions. Relying on his profound experience and using many real-life examples, he reminds policymakers and, especially, economists that policies can never be 'optimal' when the institutions that will administer and monitor them are not adequate. Schiavo-Campo shows an almost unmatched knowledge of this area. The book will be very useful to both students and policymakers." - Vito Tanzi, former Director of Fiscal Affairs at the International Monetary Fund (1981-2000)

"This is an important book both for those who study American government and those who seek to better understand governmental processes around the world, and it is ideally suited for advanced courses in public administration. This is one of the few books on public administration and policy that provides the reader with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by government officials in developed and developing countries." - Louis A. Picard, University of Pittsburgh, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9781138092068
Author Salvatore Schiavo-Campo
Format Paperback
Page Count 504
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 929g