Introduction

This chapter considers why public sector management (PSM) is relevant to study. The objective of the study is to analyze the nature of PSM and governance in developing countries of Asia and the Pacific. The theoretical framework for the study draws partially from New Public Management, and also relies on concepts inherent in public policy analysis. Given substantial levels of public spending as a share of a country’s gross domestic product in developing countries, how the public sector is managed is of particular importance and relevance. Demands of governments also have changed: tax reforms, subnational borrowing, regional integration, decentralization, public-private partnerships, corporate governance reforms, etc. have become the norm. The theoretical framework for the study draws partially from New Public Management, and also relies on concepts inherent in public policy analysis. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.