This is the first book length assessment of the executive agency revolution in UK central government, part of the New Public Management, with 65 per cent of civil servants now working in agencies. The 'Next Steps' reformers' public interest view suggested value for money improvements. However, original analysis of budgets, performance data, documents and interviews reveals some support for an alternative 'bureau-shaping' perspective from rational choice, with officials using the reform to protect their welfare and substantial performance problems, especially in 'joining-up' government.
This is the first book length assessment of the executive agency revolution in UK central government, part of the New Public Management, with 65 per cent of civil servants now working in agencies. The 'Next Steps' reformers' public interest view suggested value for money improvements. However, original analysis of budgets, performance data, documents and interviews reveals some support for an alternative 'bureau-shaping' perspective from rational choice, with officials using the reform to protect their welfare and substantial performance problems, especially in 'joining-up' government.
List of Tables List of Figures Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Introducing Executive Agencies PART I: PERSPECTIVES ON EXECUTIVE AGENCIES The Public Interest and Bureau-Shaping Perspectives PART II: EXECUTIVE AGENCIES IN PRACTICE The Process of Executive Agency Creation The Practice of Executive Agency Working The Performance of Individual Executive Agencies Executive Agencies and Central Government Systemic Performance PART III: CONCLUSIONS The Perspectives, Findings About Practice and the Future Use of Executive Agencies Appendices References Index