Observations and Comments on Reinventing Government

Abstract

A relatively recent best-selling publication and continuing popular book entitled Reinventing Government has received acclaim on the one hand, and on the other substantial criticism. Various elected officials and administrators of public agencies from Florida to California have suggested the book as a blue-print for the development of more effective and efficient government. A more critical reading of the book suggests that while it does present some noteworthy concepts, it takes liberties with historical fact, makes unsupported assumptions and demonstrates little respect for the country's conscientious, hard-working and productive public sector employees. As a result, the book and many of its recommendations, while being worthy of discussion, cannot be considered a serious piece of scholarly journalism.