The role of government in managing society has once again become a hot topic worldwide. A more diverse society, the internet, and new expectations of citizens are challenging traditional ways of managing governments.

The second edition of Public Management and Governance examines key issues in efficient management and good quality service in the public sector. With contributions from leading authors in the field, it goes beyond the first edition, looking at the ways in which the process of governing needs to be altered fundamentally to remain legitimate and to make the most of society's many resources.

Key themes include:

2. challenges and pressures facing modern governments worldwide

2. the changing role of the public sector in a `mixed economy' of provision

2. governance issues such as ethics, equalities, and citizen engagement

This new edition has an increased international scope and includes new chapters on partnership working, agency and decentralised management, process management, and HRM. Comprehensive and detailed, it is an ideal companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students of public management, public administration, government and public policy.

Tony Bovaird is Professor of Public Management and Policy at the University of Birmingham. He has published widely in strategic management, public policy evaluation and performance management in the public sector. Elke Loeffler is Chief Executive of Governance International. She has published widely in public governance and quality management in the public sector.