Contrasts in leadership: An institutional study of two prison systems

by Arjen Boin

"This is a study on institutional leadership and prison governance in two remarkable prison The U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Dutch correctional system. This study shows how these systems came about, how they are run today, and tries to explain the notable differences in their structures and modus operandi. The central argument focuses on the role of leadership in public institutions. The dimensions of leadership which are regarded as critical for building and maintaining institutions, are used to analyze both prison systems. The author shows how the performance of leadership tasks is a major factor in explaining the remarkably high and enduring cohesion of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the equally remarkable absence of cohesion in the Dutch system. This book should appeal to both corrections professionals and scholars, as well as the wider community of public managers and students of public administration."

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998