On the effectiveness of the program-target method of public administration reform: the experience of Russia

The article makes a comparison of effectiveness between two Federal programs of public administration reforming in Russia (2003-2007, and 2009-2013). It substantiates the statements: 1) the existing international ratings are not meant for revealing public administration reforming eff ectiveness; 2) effectiveness of public administration reforming can only be evaluated, if reforms are held with the help of the program-target method; 3) the system of effectiveness indicators that was designed for the second Federal program of reforming public service in Russia, is well applicable to evaluate other program-target reforms of public administration; 4) the compared effectiveness indicators show that the first Federal program of reforms is less effective than the second one.The general conclusion of the article is drawn as follows: the program-target method of reforming public administration makes it possible to measure the dynamics of reforming in objective indicators, reveal progressive changes in public service. These changes are invisible if one separate program of reforming is taken; moreover, a local regress within the frame of one program is quite possible. However every new program as an aggregate of reform undertakings, promotes perfection of public service, increase of its professionalism and transparency.