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The second edition of Government at a Glance is being published at a time when the aftermath of the financial and economic crises that started in 2008 is being felt everywhere. Reforming the financial sector, addressing persistent high unemployment, the lack of economic growth, the volatility of markets, the risk of trade and foreign direct investment restrictions and the increase in migration flows are serious policy challenges of unprecedented scope. The room for manoeuvre in most countries is further reduced through high debt and deficit levels. In fact, the speed, scope and timing of fiscal consolidation are considered by many as crucial for progress in other public policy objectives. Government at a Glance 2011 provides key quantitative and qualitative data that can enable evidence-based decision making as well as help governments plan for the future. It allows for the comparison of government activities, practices and performance across a number of critical dimensions, and helps pinpoint areas that warrant further examination. Chapter II tackles questions about the quality of reforms announced to date in member countries.
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The recent crisis has been caused by major failures in regulation and supervision by public authorities, as well as by shortcomings in risk management and corporate governance by the private sector. It has shaken many long-held assumptions about the functioning of markets and the role of governments, and as such has led to calls for changes to the global governance architecture and for the redefinition of the respective roles of the state and of markets, in order to restore citizens’ trust in both.
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In order to accurately interpret the data found in Government at a Glance, readers need to be familiar with the following methodological considerations which cut across a number of indicators. The “Glossary” at the end of the publication, as well as the “Methodology and definitions” section for each indicator, offer additional important information.
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The Government at a Glance series is designed to enable evidence-based policy making in member countries by allowing them to benchmark their activities and results in order to facilitate peer learning, and ultimately improve their own performance. The imperative of supplying internationally comparative evidence for public policy making is the guiding principle behind the selection of indicators for the publication. Policy makers and citizens need data on inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes to evaluate how their governments are performing and to make informed decisions about resources, policies and programmes. The framework for this publication reflects this important sequencing: it is structured according to the production chain of government performance (Figure 0.1).
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Throughout its 50 years, the OECD has been a government-centred organisation. Representatives of member countries approve its budget, work programmes, codes and standards, and policy pronouncements. At the more than 1 000 meetings convened under OECD auspices each year, delegates present their government’s position on a broad range of economic and sectoral issues. OECD experts compile dozens of country-based statistical reports, conduct regular peer reviews of national policies, and carry out numerous analytical studies of government policies and actions. The flagship publication in which this essay appears is appropriately titled Government at a Glance.
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Over the past three years, governments acted decisively on national and international fronts to avoid a global financial and economic meltdown. Although governments have heeded the call to action, their job is far from over. While governments pursue policies to create jobs, grow their economies, improve fairness, reduce inequalities and rebuild trust, many also need to introduce reforms to address rising debt levels that resulted from the crisis.
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