Public Personnel Reforms and Public Sector HRM in Europe

Abstract

This review of the literature on public personnel reforms and public sector HRM concentrates on three major topics. First, studies show that NPM continues to infuence public personnel policies across Europe, not so much by a further decentralization and increase in managerial autonomy regarding HR decision-making, but by a partial reorientation of the public service ethic. Second, studies provide evidence that leadership matters for the implementation of public management reforms and the improvement of public service performance. Research shows that HRM can help develop effective leadership. Third, studies have shown that HRM can contribute to a public service motivated workforce. However, recent studies also highlight that the relationship between PSM and performance is complex and contingent, and that there is also a dark side to PSM.