Author Description

Product Description The book's conceptual framework is built upon an analysis of different varieties of rationality. A conception of political rationality is elaborated. First, orientations of contemporary administrative theory and research are analysed from the point of view of that rationality. Next, the same viewpoint is applied to an analysis of an entity called the 'administrative welfare state'. This concept is used to cover the typical institutional shape of the leading highly developed countries until the 1980s. The strengths and the weaknesses of the contemporary 'new public management' reforms are also evaluated from the point of view of political rationality. Finally, steps are taken to define elements of actual reform programmes in the terms of the political rationality. About the Author The Authors: Pertti Ahonen (born 1952) is Professor of Public and Financial Management at the University of Tampere, Finland, since 1989 and founder and Head of the Finnish National School in the Administrative Sciences (VALHAL). Ari Salminen (born 1951) is Professor of Public Administration at the University Vaasa, Finland, since 1988 and Rector of his University since 1994.