The State and Human Services: Organizational Change in a Political Context

State human services agencies are frequently criticized by state executives, legislators, and service recipients who contend that reorganization will improve performance and efficiency. This study points out, however, that the proponents and architects of change commonly fail to recognize the extent to which reorganizing a state agency is a political rather than an administrative or managerial act and that many pitfalls await them. The book asserts that if reorganization is to improve state agency performance, rather than ending as it so often does in disappointment and frustration, the political context must be carefully analyzed and proposals designed accordingly. The State and Human Servicesaddresses this vital problem by examining the reorganization of human services in Arizona, Florida, Georgia (by then-governor Jimmy Carter), Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Washington. It shows how the human services departments in these six states have been shaped by and interact with their political environment. The book focuses on the originators of change and their goals, on the processes of debate and deliberation, and on the results. It concludes that reorganization is a grueling test of political and administrative competence and should not be undertaken unless the initiators have the time, resources, and determination to see it through. The State and Human Servicescovers timely and important issues of central concern to teachers and practitioners in federal, state, and local politics, public policy, and human services administration. The comparative case material is unique-containing a wealth of insights into human service policy and the actions and motivations of governors, legislatures, administrators, and human service professionals. The book explains much about the implications of a "new federalism" and about the complicated relationships among levels of government. In addition, it illuminates the neglected subject of the role of managers and management in state government. The State and Human Servicesis the seventh volume in the series MIT Press Studies in American Politics and Public Policy.