Public Management in Times of Austerity

This book explores the impact of austerity policies on public management in Europe, examining their implications and potential reforms.

The book Public Management in Times of Austerity delves into the austerity measures adopted by various European governments and their significant impact on public management practices. It investigates how these governments have enacted stricter rules that lead to more rigorous public budgeting and financial management, as well as reductions in public expenditure. The work aims to provide insight into the mechanisms behind these changes and their broader implications for governance.

Since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, global wealth has dramatically declined, with far-reaching consequences. The repercussions have been felt through plummeting GDP, a collapse in international trade, rising unemployment rates, and a credit crisis that has surpassed previous downturns since World War II. While some nations have shown signs of economic recovery, the ongoing challenges posed by the crisis remain a pressing concern for governments, highlighting the importance of understanding how austerity measures are shaping public policy.

Public Management in Times of Austerity seeks to answer critical questions about the relationship between economic crises and public sector decision-making. It examines whether the current economic climate will spark a new wave of public management reforms, akin to those seen in the 1970s, and what those reforms might entail. Through comparative case studies from across Europe, the book discusses the variations in responses to austerity and the implications for public management frameworks.