ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the assumption of the reformers’ power over organizational forms and operations, discussing the causes of reforms as well as their content and consequences. The idea of reform is an idea about the power wielded by individuals in positions of leadership - the idea that organizations change as a result of the activities of reformers. The routine nature of reform and its institutionalization certainly makes action easy, but it limits the freedom of choice of the individual actors. If reformers are to have power, they must enjoy independence in their intentions, i.e. they must themselves determine the content of the reforms they promote. The purpose of administrative reform is to generate new administrative forms, which in turn will change the operations of the organization and thus its results as well. Reformers may not be very interested in the effects of their reforms on operations.
