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This book discusses the trajectories of creating specialized autonomous units. An analysis of the mechanisms and measures taken for granting autonomy to specialized autonomous units and subsequently to coordinating them back is described. The book shows a range of patterns in the dynamics of specialization and coordination over 25 years.

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PART I: CONCEPTS, THEORIES AND METHODOLOGY The Main Argument: Specialization without Coordination is Centrifugal Coordination: What is it and Why Should we have it? Resources, Mechanisms and Instruments for Coordination How to Map Coordination: Issues of Methodology PART II: SPECIALIZATION AND COORDINATION IN SEVEN COUNTRIES (1980-2005) Coordination in New Zealand Coordination in the United Kingdom Coordination in Sweden Coordination in The Netherlands Coordination in France Coordination in Belgium Coordination in the United States PART III: CROSS-COUNTRY COMPARISON Specialization and Coordination in Seven Countries: Findings and Discussion Appendix A. Comparative tables References End notes

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GEERT BOUCKAERT is Professor and Director of the Public Management Institute, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

B. GUY PETERS is Maurice Falk Professor of American Government, University of Pittsburgh, USA.

KOEN VERHOEST is Assistant Professor and Research Manager, Public Management Institute, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

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