The globalization of public sector reform -- Human resource management and government performance -- Socio-economic challenges facing HRM -- The mixed results of HRM reform -- Managing people as a strategic resource -- Promoting organizational learning in the public service

This report surveys some of the major trends, models and related visions that have influenced human resource management practices around the world in recent decades. It highlights the diversity of values and doctrines that have guided the strengthening of HRM systems in the public sector. The present report advocates that future reform in this area involves striking a balance between three broad models or schools in public administration: traditional public administration; public management, including new public management (NPM); and an emerging model of responsive governance. An important objective of the report is to discuss how the best attributes of these three models can be effectively harnessed to address contemporary challenges facing HRM in the public sector worldwide.