Summary of key finds Context of public sector human resource management reforms Major human resource management reform trends Summary assessment of country experiences Chapter 1: why reform human resource management? The study Factors driving reforms Chapter 2: human resource management reform trends General observations Decentralisation and devolution of human resource management Pay and classification systems Staffing practices Ethics and codes of conduct Other reform priorities Progress of human resource management reforms Chapter 3: assessment of country experiences: reform strategies and impacts General observations Downsizing Decentralisation and devolution Devolution and the position of line managers Key role for training and development Role of the centre in a decentralised environment Decentralisation and a unified public service Need for comprehensive reform strategies Core business planning and human resources management Performance management Evaluation Balancing competing reform pressures The need to push human resource management reforms further Chapter 4: policy recommendations Develop a strategic approach to managing people Articulate and promote key human resource management principles and values Ensure performance oriented management that links individual staff performance with organisational goals Raise the profile of training and development as a key element of strategic human resource managemenmt Ensure conditions of employment and working arrangements support the staffing needs of the public service Invest in monitoring and evaluation of human resource management practices or programme of reforms