Abstract
Kuhlmann, S. and Wollmann, H. (2014) Introduction to Comparative Public Administration: Administrative Systems and Reforms in Europe, Cheltenham and Northampton, MA, Edward Elgar, ISBN: 978 1 78347 359 5 (pbk)
Comparative public administration appears to be an increasingly popular topic with students, and the flow of comparative articles in the main PA journals is strong, yet there are still few good books in this sub-field. The latest contender comes from two German professors, who take the whole of Europe, west and east, north and south, as their chosen domain.
After a brief introduction, the second chapter begins by setting out a variety of ways in which different ‘families’ of European states have been defined. The authors opt for a fivefold set: continental European Napoleonic countries, continental European federal countries, the Scandinavian group, the Anglo-Saxon group and central, eastern and southern European countries. The chapter subsequently moves to elucidate a range of relevant theories and analytic approaches, providing some clear analytical frameworks for classifying administrative systems and administrative reforms. Finally it moves on to look at three main theories, rational choice institutionalism, historical institutionalism and sociological institutionalism.
The third chapter addresses models and traditions of PA. A noteworthy strength is that all levels of government are included in the analysis, not just the centre. One country from each of the five groups is examined in some depth, and then there is an extended comparison between them.
Chapter four focuses on reforms, including inter-governmental and territorial reforms. Due space is given to both international and domestic influences. Distinctions are drawn between trajectories of discourse and trajectories of practice, which by no means follow each other automatically. Remunicipalization – a trend hardly known in the UK but widespread in continental Europe – is examined in some depth, aided by mini-case studies in energy and water.
Chapter five is a comparative summary. It examines the idea of convergence, reaching a nuanced conclusion that balances the influence of some converging trends with continued strong differentiation in others. The theories originally introduced in chapter two are deployed to attempt explanations of this complex picture.
The final chapter takes a look at future prospects for comparative public administration. It identifies areas where further work on theoretical, methodological and evaluative issues is particularly urgent.
Overall, the impression is one of a tremendously useful book, one that may well become a ‘standard’ in the field. Kuhlmann and Wollmann cover a great deal of ground, with a sure touch. They embrace a wide range of countries. They draw on a vast collection of literature and frequently offer sensible summary figures and tables. They interweave theory and empirical data and comment on the respective merits of alternative methodological approaches. As an author of comparative work myself, I can well imagine how much hard labour has gone into the assembly of this neat and balanced package. It has my strongest recommendation.