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The financial and economic crisis that started in 2008 and affected most OECD member countries has reopened the debate on the role of the state on how and where it should intervene to achieve which objectives. Government at a Glance 2013 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. In its policy chapter, the publication explores the links between trust in government and the policies and institutions of public governance.
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The outlook for the global economy is improving gradually, but the world continues to grapple with the consequences of the global financial, economic and social crisis. Low growth, high government indebtedness, persistent unemployment and widening inequalities require strong corrective action. Governments are expected to put our economies back on a track of stronger, greener and more inclusive growth.
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The financial and economic crisis and its aftermath have led many OECD governments to implement structural adjustment plans to restore the health of their public finances. However, trust in governments has declined considerably, as citizens’ growing expectations have been hard to address with limited government resources. Between 2007 and 2012, confidence in national governments declined from 45% to 40% on average, making it difficult for national authorities to mobilise support for necessary reforms.
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In order to accurately interpret the data included in Government at a Glance, readers need to be familiar with the following methodological considerations that cut across a number of indicators. As in previous editions, the standard format for the presentation of indicators is on two pages, except for a few indicators – such as indicators on the rule of law and on the quality of public services – that are presented on four pages. For the two‑page format, the first page contains text that explains the relevance of the topic and highlights some of the major differences observed across OECD countries. It is followed by a Methodology and definitions section, which describes the data sources and provides important information necessary to interpret the data. Closing the first page is the Further reading section, which lists useful background literature providing context to the data displayed. The second page showcases the data. These figures show current levels and, where possible, trends over time. A Glossary of the main definitions of the publication can be found in the final chapter of the book.
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The recent economic crisis has highlighted the role of governments as major actors in modern societies. Governments are expected to set the conditions to generate economic growth that will increase the well-being of their citizens, regulate the behaviour of business and individuals in the name of the common good, redistribute income in order to promote fairness, and deliver public goods and services to their populations, while being faced with fiscal constraints and demographic pressures. The ability of governments to operate effectively and efficiently depends in part on their management policies and practices in diverse areas such as budgeting, human resources management, procurement, etc.
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