In their quest to improve government performance, managers must overcome a multitude of problems, from entrenched procedures and employee concerns to citizen complaints and political pressure for results. A key to fostering successful reform is a thorough understanding and management of a program's culture. Drawing on a wealth of detailed examples from federal, state, and local agencies, Anne Khademian shows that cultural roots not only determine the way work is performed, but also dictate the ultimate success of reform efforts.

Foreword
Preface

1. Working with Culture

  Understanding Culture
  Emphasizing Culture in Public Management
  The Value of Culture in Public Management
  Going to the Roots of Culture
  Culture in Public Programs
  Notes


2. Culture as a Management Tool: The Debate

  The Advocates
  Managing Cultural Roots: Six Strategies for Change
  Identifying Commitments
  Identifying the Connections between the Roots of Culture and Commitments
  Determining and Articulating Change
  Managing Cultural Roots: Inward, Outward, and Shared Responsibility
  Being Relentless
  Capitalizing and Institutionalizing Change
  Conclusion
  Notes


3. Extending the Cultural Roots Model

  Capturing the Essence of Culture
  The Environment as a Factor: Bank Regulatory Agencies in the United States
  Getting at the Roots of Culture: The South African Police Service
  Making Changes Stick
  Conclusion
  Notes


4. Detecting Cultural Commitments: An Exercise

  Getting a Clear Picture
  Identifying Commitments
  Connecting Roots to Commitments
  Conclusion
  Notes


5. Getting the Job Done with Culture: Lessons Learned and Questions Unanswered

  Lessons Learned
  Unanswered Questions
  Conclusion
  Notes

Index

Anne M. Khademian received a Ph.D. in political science from Washington University in St. Louis and was a research fellow at the Brookings Institution. She has taught political science and public affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a visiting associate professor at the University of Michigan. In 2001 she was a visiting senior fellow with the Fox Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Today she is an independent author and researcher. Her books include The SEC and Capital Market Regulation: The Politics of Expertise (1992) and Checking on Banks: Autonomy and Accountability in Three Federal Agencies (1996).

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