Strategies of Public Sector Reform in the OECD Countries

During the last two decades developed countries have experienced a significant change in the goals, role and structures of their public sectors. Compared to the 1980s the public sector today seems to be more results-oriented, heterogeneous and market-oriented. This study examines the background and nature of this change, and especially the reform policies that different countries and governments (1980–1995) have adopted to change the course of the modern welfare state and administration. The findings of the study underline the role of political and social institutions in the process of structural transformation of the state and society.