Abstract
A new stage of environmental policy making in local government has emerged as managerial reforms to improve the performance of local government in England seek to secure sustainability alongside more traditional measures such as economy, efficiency and effectiveness. In this article we present the first empirical test of the relationship between environmental sustainability and managerial reform, using the example of Best Value. Data are drawn from a large survey of 706 officers in 102 English local authorities. Statistical results suggest that sustainability, inspired by managerial reform, is assisted by favourable environmental attitudes and the presence of strong corporate values but is frustrated by poor integration and departmental cultures towards sustainability. An agenda of further research is offered in conclusion. © The Policy Press, 2005.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 297-322 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | Policy and Politics |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2005 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
This article is based on research funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on the long-term impact of Best Value. Interpretation of results rests with the authors.Funding
Richard Walker would also like to acknowledge the support of the ESRC/EPSRC Advanced Institute for Management Research under grant no. 331-25-006 for this research.
Keywords
- Best value
- Local government
- Managerial reform
- Sustainability