In this new approach to a comparative text in public management, Randall Baker examines how, why, and to what extent the public sector around the world has shared in the management revolution. The book is designed to isolate and demonstrate the essential American-ness of the United States' public service by holding it up to the mirror of other developed democracies. While there are lessons to be learned from other countries, Baker and his expert contributors examine the complexities of making comparisons across cultures, even within broadly similar democratic systems, and urban-industrial economies.

The volume concludes with a list of sectoral cases. These comprise most of the main dimensions of public-sector activity around the world. They are the main elements of many graduate professional degrees in public affairs, and the material has been written with the needs of both practitioners and teachers in mind. This is essential reading for all concerned with public management and administration as well as comparative government.