The Promise and Reality of Public Sector Reform – A Case Study of the Implementation of Trinidad and Tobagos Health Sector Reform

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between control mechanisms selected for use by central governments during the implementation of public sector reform and the successful implementation of said reform. This investigation is carried out in light of a case study, namely Trinidad and Tobago’s health sector reform. Previous research either offers a descriptive account of what conditions are necessary for perfect implementation or focuses on the debate between top-down and bottom-up approach supporters in terms of controlling implementation. Drawing on both sets of literature, this study goes further by offering insights into the importance of government control over public sector reform implementation by contributing a fresh perspective to existing research – recognition that the actions of the central government can constitute more important explanations for the outcome of public sector reform than those of the implementers. This paper presents relevant interdependent elements needed for determining what type of control mechanisms should be used to control implementing bodies, which include central acceptance of delegated tasks, balance between control and discretion, clear roles and performance goals that accurately reflect policy intent, objective measurement and effective monitoring, and a simple implementation structure. It is found that control mechanisms need to be planned and performed in light of the intent and performance goals of the reform in order for said reform to be successful. These findings provide policymakers with knowledge on how control mechanisms can be better employed in order to improve the performance of the public sector under the reform.