This text explores the impact of the changes in local government upon the attitudes, behaviour and job satisfaction of the managers most affected by them. On the basis of a detailed review of recent research findings and theoretical debates, it outlines the major changes affecting local government organizations and the duties and responsibilities of those working with them. The text then examines how far the rhetoric of "new managerialism" is supported by the reality of change.

Author Biography

Linda Keen is Lecturer in Management at the University of Kent at Canterbury. She has published widely on changes in local government with articles in Public Money and Management, Local Government Studies, and other public sector journals, and has worked in local government as both an officer and an elected member. Richard Scase is Professor of Sociology and Organizational Behaviour at the University of Kent at Canterbury. He is the author or co-author of several books including most recently Corporate Realities (1995) and Higher Education and Corporate Realities (1994). He has published widely in academic journals on issues of change in private and public sector organizations.