ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the way the computer has affected organization in the public services. One organizational change which seems to be passing relatively unnoticed is the implication of 'putting computer work out'. Changes in organization may come about in many ways but, clearly, formal changes must be a matter of conscious choice. The use of computers for statistical purposes has coincided with an increasing demand for statistical information for advisory and operational use. This has resulted in organizational changes in the management of statistical services both at a policy-making level and in responsibility for the actual information and forecasting services. The use of computers in public administration clearly has not transformed the shape of government organization, depending as it does on a complex of conditions and requirements. Changes in geographical distribution may just be simple changes in the place of work but occasionally involve alterations in organizational structure.
