From Library Journal
Wilson (management, UCLA) attempts to explain bureaucratic behavior, beginning with a contrast of similar institutions (armies, prisons, and schools) that have succeeded and failed. He finds that neither the liberal view (more money, new programs) or the conservative ideology (smaller government) provides the single answer. Wilson's key contribution here is his emphasis on the "bottom" of the bureaucracy--those who do the work. Policy, he says, is developed by those with no understanding of its implementation. In addition, Wilson suggests that bureaucracy can be made "efficient" by giving bureaucrats more incentives and flexibility, a strategy, he concludes, that conflicts with our political culture. For academic libraries.
- Jeffrey Kraus, Wagner Coll., Staten Island, New York
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Jeffrey Kraus, Wagner Coll., Staten Island, New York
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"A gold mine of interesting, even unique observations about bureaucratic government on all levels." -- Christian Science Monitor
"A gold mine of interesting, even unique observations about bureaucratic government on all levels." -- --R. Cort Kirkwood,Christian Science Monitor
"Immediately takes its place as the indispensable one-volume guide to American national administration." -- --Aaron Wildavsky,Los Angeles Times Book Review
"The synthesis is shrewd and creative. The prose is uncommonly swift. The fresh insights are abundant and compelling." -- --Martha Derthick, University of Virginia
"A gold mine of interesting, even unique observations about bureaucratic government on all levels." -- --R. Cort Kirkwood,Christian Science Monitor
"Immediately takes its place as the indispensable one-volume guide to American national administration." -- --Aaron Wildavsky,Los Angeles Times Book Review
"The synthesis is shrewd and creative. The prose is uncommonly swift. The fresh insights are abundant and compelling." -- --Martha Derthick, University of Virginia
