The four dragons of Asia - Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea - have achieved remarkable progress over the past decades. These newly industrialising countries (NICs) have emerged as major actors on the world economic scene. Their success can be attributed to a number of factors related to historical background, relationship with China, pattern of governance and performance of administrative, political and economic institutions. This book examines the role of public administration in the accomplishments of the NICs and identifies potential areas of challenge for the dragons.

The underpinning assumption of public management in the developing world as a process of planned change is increasingly being recognized as unrealistic. In reality, the practice of development management is characterized by processes of mutual adjustment among individuals, agencies, and interest groups that can constrain behaviour, as well as provide incentives for collaborative action. Paradoxes inevitably emerge in policy network practice and design. The ability to manage government departments and operations has become less important than the ability to navigate the complex world of interconnected policy implementation processes. Public sector reform policies and programmes, as a consequence, are a study in the complexities of the institutional and environmental context in which these reforms are pursued. Building on theory and practice, this book argues that advancing the theoretical frontlines of development management research and practice can benefit from developing models based on innovation, collaboration and governance. The themes addressed in Public Sector Reforms in Developing Countries will enable public managers in developing countries cope in uncertain and turbulent environments as they seek optimal fits between their institutional goals and environmental contingencies.

Traditionally, development has been rooted in ideologies and assumptions prevalent in the developed world and in practices and strategies adopted by leading industrial nations. However, historically, eclectic ideas and approaches often clash with existing long-established notions of progress and modes of realizing social and economic change. Managing Development in a Globalized World: Concepts, Processes, Institutions explores this topic by incorporating ideas and interpretations that have previously been neglected or given inadequate attention in the discourse on developing countries. It underscores development as a continuous process that must be supported by sound policies and efficient management, supplying a wider understanding of the field. The authors argue that the application of innovative development techniques and best practices is essential for obtaining optimum results in meeting the needs of society. They examine the style of managing development with a new perspective that links the phenomenon with changing demands and the interplay of internal/external actors and a host of stakeholders. An exploration of key sectors in development provides clear comprehension of problems and solutions. A careful synthesis of theoretical/conceptual and empirical literature, the book assesses real-world situations and provides insight into the operational dynamics of development policies, programs, and institutions. It focuses on goals, values, and dynamics of development management that are undergoing rapid changes and continue to be enhanced to alleviate poverty and improve living standards in an era of globalization and inter-regional and inter-institutional synergies. It highlights best practices essential for the efficient and effective delivery of human development services that are designed and put in place to obtain optimum results in meeting the needs of society.

The increased level of indiscipline, malfunctioning of public organizations and corrupt policies has made good governance a popular demand worldwide. Good governance can only be ensured by increasing the level of skill, honesty and integrity of the public officials. As central training institutes contribute to the improvement of the quality of public service, its activities have been receiving renewed attention. The impact of globalization has forced a standardization of administrative procedures and practices as well as a convergence in the role and operation of central training institutes for public service. The continuous pressure for achieving and maintaining good governance is particularly significant for both India and Hong Kong. Based on extensive field research, this book contributes to the ongoing debate and suggests ways for enhancing capabilities of public services in developing countries. Suitable for readers of globalization and good governance as well as public administration and human resource management.

This title was first published in 2000: The management of public services is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Demands are increasing while funds appear to be decreasing, but quality of service must remain high. New services are required, demands have to be faced, activities don't always go according to plan and problems emerge in unexpected places and at unusual times; and public managers are expected to deal with these deviations from their regular work patterns. While some activities are concrete in nature and can be seen, such as medical care and education, others are obscured from public view. With governments emphasizing areas that produce visible and quantifiable results, they often neglect the intangible services that must also be provided to the public. Poor performance in these areas can contribute to major crisi in public organizations. This volume examines four case studies in the context of the changing political and social environment of the new Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The use of these cases from the public sector in Hong Kong will hopefully help readers to understand the difficulties faced by modern governments in providing basic services to the public.

This title was first published in 2000: The management of public services is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Demands are increasing while funds appear to be decreasing, but quality of service must remain high. New services are required, demands have to be faced, activities don't always go according to plan and problems emerge in unexpected places and at unusual times; and public managers are expected to deal with these deviations from their regular work patterns. While some activities are concrete in nature and can be seen, such as medical care and education, others are obscured from public view. With governments emphasizing areas that produce visible and quantifiable results, they often neglect the intangible services that must also be provided to the public. Poor performance in these areas can contribute to major crisi in public organizations. This volume examines four case studies in the context of the changing political and social environment of the new Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The use of these cases from the public sector in Hong Kong will hopefully help readers to understand the difficulties faced by modern governments in providing basic services to the public.

The increased level of indiscipline, malfunctioning of public organizations and corrupt policies has made good governance a popular demand worldwide. Good governance can only be ensured by increasing the level of skill, honesty and integrity of the public officials. As central training institutes contribute to the improvement of the quality of public service, its activities have been receiving renewed attention. The impact of globalization has forced a standardization of administrative procedures and practices as well as a convergence in the role and operation of central training institutes for public service. The continuous pressure for achieving and maintaining good governance is particularly significant for both India and Hong Kong. Based on extensive field research, this book contributes to the ongoing debate and suggests ways for enhancing capabilities of public services in developing countries. Suitable for readers of globalization and good governance as well as public administration and human resource management.

The establishment of good governance is a major challenge for the developing world, along with the need to sustain the progress resulting from developmental efforts. Although there are numerous studies on the development and governance of emerging nations, few volumes make a serious effort to bring together these two critical concepts. International Development Governance combines the two concepts - development and governance - by examining the issues and problems faced by nations in their attempts to establish sustainable governance. This textbook also initiates discussions on the concept of development governance in an international context. The book fills the gap in existing literature by drawing upon the experience and expertise of scholars from a broad spectrum of knowledge. Their views explain the issues and problems with reference to a number of tools that could establish "development governance" and sustain it. The text offers in-depth examinations of developmental sectors, resulting in a textbook that will inspire future public officials, policy makers, and consultants to contribute to the betterment of life for citizens of developing countries.

The four dragons of Asia - Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea - have achieved remarkable progress over the past decades. These newly industrialising countries (NICs) have emerged as major actors on the world economic scene. Their success can be attributed to a number of factors related to historical background, relationship with China, pattern of governance and performance of administrative, political and economic institutions. This book examines the role of public administration in the accomplishments of the NICs and identifies potential areas of challenge for the dragons.