Government is topical once again. After many years of speculation that the market could take over much of its role, strong and democratic government is more important than ever. Moreover, the quality of public services is a major electoral issue in most countries around the world. This major textbook examines what it means to have efficient management and good quality services in the public sector and how public sector performance can be improved. Furthermore, it explores how the process of governing needs to be fundamentally altered if a government is to remain legitimate and make use of society's resources. Key themes include: * the challenges and pressures governments experience and how these differ internationally * the changing functions of the modern government * competitiveness in the global economy * the role of the public sector in a 'mixed economy' of public, voluntary and private service provision Public Management and Governance is an exciting new textbook for students, featuring contributions from leading names in the field and covering all of the key topics. The book includes discussion questions, group and individual exercises, case studies and further reading, making it essential reading for all students on specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses in public services management, public administration, government and public policy. Professor Christine Bellamy, Nottingham Trent University; Professor Geert Bouckaert , Leuven University, Belgium; Professor Tony Bovaird, Bristol Business School, University of th