The Executive Agency Revolution in Whitehall ― Public Interest Versus Bureau-shaping Perspectives

This is the first book length assessment of the executive agency revolution in UK central government, part of the New Public Management, with 65 per cent of civil servants now working in agencies. The 'Next Steps' reformers' public interest view suggested value for money improvements. However, original analysis of budgets, performance data, documents and interviews reveals some support for an alternative 'bureau-shaping' perspective from rational choice, with officials using the reform to protect their welfare and substantial performance problems, especially in 'joining-up' government.

OLIVER JAMES is Lecturer in Politics at the University of Exeter, UK. He researches issues of public sector organization, public sector reform and regulation of the public and private sectors. He has acted as consultant to a range of bodies including the World Bank, UK National Audit Office and Audit Commission. His previous publications include Regulation Inside Government (co-authored).