Reorganizing Public Organizations: Alternatives, Objectives, and Evidence¹

The literature on public-sector reorganization is largely theoretical. Not only is empirical evidence relatively scant, it often contradicts theoretical claims. This article examines the extent of the disjunction between what we want and expect from reorganizations and the available evidence which might support these expectations. In doing so, it draws attention to the literature's emphasis on efficiency and control, rather than other values such as equity, reliability, and public trust.