Knutsson

As policy makers and scholars evaluate difficult options for the reform and renewal of public services, this book provides a detailed inside view of the development and character of NPM in Scandinavia. Beyond the general perceptions of the ＂Scandic＂ model of public policy and management, this book offers a more nuanced interpretation, illuminating subtle distinctions in political, social and economic context which are significant in identifying what creates a receptive context for the adoption of modernization policies. Organised into the key themes of management, governance and marketization, the contents explore unique empirical accounts of reform initiatives which reveal clearly distinctive Scandic characteristics.

Far from the received wisdom of hesitant followers of UK/US models, this book offers an alternative interpretation, revealing radical edginess, particularly in Sweden, which has gone largely unrecognized. Without compromising the welfare state, it may be a bold frontrunner in the development of the New Public Management with lessons beyond Scandinavia.

Offering a new and comprehensive analysis of the development of this ＂Scandic＂ approach to modernizing public sector management, this book will be of interest to all scholars and advanced students of public management internationally.