A new approach for understanding institutional change
In the current issue of Governance, Jane Gingrich examines a paradox. A large scholarly literature says that change is difficult in the public sector. But the public sector has in fact changed substantially over the last two decades. Better theory is needed to explain when and how institutional change happens. Gringrich identifies three different types of costs to change, and explains how different combinations of these costs can lead to different patterns of policy change. Gingrich uses British and American experience in healthcare and welfare reform to illustrate her argument. Free access to the article.