'Policy work' is increasingly conducted by public managers at different levels of seniority, and in a variety of settings. This significant collection of readings focuses on the discussion of how policy work happens, whether that involves bringing a policy-making process to fruition or the implementation of policy.

The ideas included here draw on many different academic disciplines including economics, political science, social policy, international relations, organizational behaviour and psychology. The book is divided into four key sections, each with an introduction by the editors, covering:

• understanding policy processes
• governance contexts
• instruments and discourses
• leadership in policy work.

This key text equips the reader with the fundamental knowledge and the essential ability required to critically analyze the key theoretical, conceptual and operational approaches to the development and management of public policy. Containing timeless papers that are the building blocks of understanding public policy, this important volume allows the reader to analyze new issues in appropriate contexts and one's own setting.