Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit is Transforming the Public Sector

by David Osborne, Ted Gaebler

"A landmark in the debate on the future of public policy."— The Washington Post .

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Political Science, History, Government, Business, Reference

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first and best account of how people scattered around the country were remaking government in America to be innovative, entrepreneurial, and effective. (Full disclosure: its account of my work at the Pentagon led to my getting hired by Al Gore to lead his effort to reinvent the entire Executive Branch--which work is still incomplete).

An all-time favorite

[Zach Houck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book, written over 20 years ago should be brought back to the forefront of everyone's mind. Upon reading it I wanted to buy several copies of this book to handout at headquarters.

[reza&faricha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives us valuable insight on how to invent something new in public bureaucracy. It tends to gives us example on how to solve bureaucratic inefficiency.

New inventions are based on best practices in America. This is truly a remarkable and revolutionary book that can be put into practices. It also comes with many examples in some state that can be adapted to another state.

I truly recommend this book for policymakers, bureaucrats, and researchers.

[Joshua]

little propaganda handbook for low-level legislators from the 90s. gets a few general points across on why the welfare-state isnt suited to "the information age" etc... then proceeds with a few subsidiary points and a bunch of parables about how the municipal government of like Maricopa Arizona balanced their books by charging softball teams a user fee to play at the park

[Nedland P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need more privatization.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for a political science class in college - so probably a little dated now - but had some interesting ideas at the time.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book when I was working on a Master’s in Public Administration (specializing in Nonprofit Management) at the University of Louisville because it was highly recommended by both students and professors. Then life happened and we all graduated into the Great Recession, so it sat untouched on my shelf until it was mentioned again while I was working on a Master’s in Public Financial Management at the University of Kentucky. Then we all graduated into a global pandemic, but finally in 2024 I made the time to sit still and read it! I was looking for more information regarding school vouchers, which the authors address but do not endorse, as well as more information regarding the utilization of nonprofits in lieu of tax-funded services. There are a lot of examples of people and government getting stuff done, which I enjoy, but the facts and figures are too dated to be relevant. A lot of this was personal validation for previous work experience but I did learn more about mission-driven budgeting and participative management, which I think are sorely needed today. I do think I will be keeping this one as a reference guide.

[Nurlan Mustafayev · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading many criticisms of this book, I decided to read it. It is a really amazing book and provides a different perspective and many case studies on how modern government institutions should run. It is not a conservative book about limited or good governance, which I expected.

The key message of the book is that given the requirements of the modern economy to reinvent how the government operates, the incentives that drive public institutions should change e.g. the markets that operate within the public sector.

[Matt S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone with interest in government. While it may be 30 years old, the problems of then are identical to the problems of today. Precious little has changed and the impact of these strategies can still be attempted. Part of the clear issue of anything like the strategies employed here since is the means and methods of measurement and consequence for programs implemented.

[Brett Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated, but still insightful. I expected to hate the book‘s argument. That was only true for about 40% of it. Definitely something to keep on the shelf as public management continues to evolve. Biggest criticism: the authors failed to consider rural vs. urban equity issues, which may be why so many rural places have piecemeal public services in 2022.

[Miguel Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesring book on how to address the problems faced by the goverment, although its a book based on the experience of the United States in the 90s, many of those problems are stll valid now in latinoamerica.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read. Only includes examples of times these ideas succeeded and very few of the times they failed. Definitely not something that can be applied in all situations. The ideas considered are more for local governments than the federal government.

[Mandy Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book is dated, there are relevant ideas to incorporate into today's public sector functions. That said, I recommend this book for those looking to gage change in municipal settings and the way business is not strictly a private sector phenomenon.

[Linda Dittes · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Union Rep for Public Employees I got to see some of these practices put into motion. And I applaud them.

Such great ideas to help our governments to work more efficiently. I will be giving a copy to my City Council member.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My good friend from the Humphrey Institute gave this to me. A number of Minnesota people were involved in the book. A good book for changing government. It answers the "I hate big government" crowd by saying that we should get the right amount of government and it should work. It did seem a little too perfect at times though.

[Joe]

I read a lot of this for a college course and it is interesting enough, that I may finish it one day. It is pretty one sided. Ok, it is completely one sided. Apparently there is no downside to introducing market forces into government services. But it happens all the time with some success and some problems. Osborne and Gaebler give several well presented examples of success.

[André · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an Advanced Human Resource Management course I completed while at Ryerson.

The book was published at a time when government policies and administration were driven by the neo-con agenda. I don't believe that much if what was written in this book would be applicable now.

[Texas Renaissance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best discussion I've ever seen on the role and function of government.

[Elissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really good book for people in local government work. A little dated, but still quite relevant. And VERY easy-to-read!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a lovely idea for local government, but isn't practical on a national scale.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to self: A recommended reading for PA 201 (Theory and Practice of Public Administration)under Dr. Edna A. Co of the UP NCPAG, 2nd Semester 1999-2000

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it to see if I could understand the reinventing government idea that Clinton and Gore were pushing. Still don't but I tried.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONLY READ UP TO PG 139

[Viecha]

tgs kwu

[Mishuleader]

its good

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a read, though pretty one-sided

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nt filled with western promise.

[Tariq A · Rating 4 out of 5]

رائع.

[Sct Artchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book is good

[Fakheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is good book for my carrer