This important new study, by a leading scholar in the field, offers a fresh perspective on public management. In contrast to the widespread claim of the `modernization gurus' that a new era of global convergence is dawning in public management, it uses cultural theory to show why ideas about how to manage government are inherently plural and contradictory, and likely to remain so.

`clearly written, theoretically amibitious and interesting, historically sensitive and analytically sharp work based on exceptionally wide reading that has been intelligently absorbed and organised ... it is strongly to be recommended both to the specialist whose ideas are likely to be severely challenged by Hood's approach and to the general reader who wishes to acquire an understanding of ideas on ways of organising institutions in general and those of public management in particular' Reason in Practice Vol 1, No 1, 2001 `this well-written and very readable book on public management is rich with references to the ideas of past thinkers on the subject and to past practices of public management' Reason in Practice, Vol 1, No 1, 2001 `a timely and important book, by one of Europe's most repected administrative scholars ... this text is tightly organized, well-written and thought provoking ... a clear, concise, comprehensive survey of major public management ideas, their strengths and weaknesses.' Richard J. Stillman II, New Institutionalism and Organizational Theory, A Review Article. This book demonstrates many of the numerous strengths of Christopher Hood's scholarship. He has a sharp analytic mind that categorizes and conceptualizes complex matters very effectively. The arguments here are advanced in a clear and convincing manner, and he is also sensitive to the nuances of both the theory and the evidence used to ramify the theoretical arguments ... this is absolutely a 'must read' for students of public administration. It should also be read by those scholars who easily dismiss the roots of public administration. B Guy Peters, Political Studies (1999) XLVII "The book stands in the tradition of Hood's other work - intellectually virtuosic, speculative in argument, and lifting itself above the detail it addresses." Richard Parry, University of Edinburgh, Journal of Social Policy, May 2000

In contrast to the claims of the `modernization gurus' offers a searching and balanced new approach to public management Brings an exciting new conceptual framework and valuable historical perspective to this important debate A major contribution to public administration and political science by a leading figure in the field

In contrast to the claims of the `modernization gurus' offers a searching and balanced new approach to public management Brings an exciting new conceptual framework and valuable historical perspective to this important debate A major contribution to public administration and political science by a leading figure in the field