ABSTRACT

Public services reward is analysed along the dimensions of importance, distinctiveness and change. Wage costs in the labour-intensive public services are presented as relatively high, with important implications for macro and micro management of the economy. Funded from public expenditure, reward in the sector is seen as subject to a distinctive degree of political scrutiny and accountability, along with the search for broader social legitimacy. Change is examined by reference to three domains – remuneration levels, structures, systems – presented as being sensitive to shifting socio-economic and political circumstances.