RISULTATI RICERCA

This study examines management control systems (Mcss) in the Italian Public Sector in a context of relevant change. Since the beginning of the 90s Italian central government has been trying to incorporate managerial elements in public sector life, for shifting its bureaucratic structures towards more customer oriented, leaner organisations; one of these elements are Mcss. A legislative decree of 1999, in particular, claimed Mcss revision and the introduction of comprehensive control structure. Three years after the approval of this decree the paper tackles this issue analysing the problem of Mcss implementation and proposing a model targeted on the specific needs of these organisations. The paper is structured in three stages, an exploring phase, the theoretical definition of a tailored Mcs and its testing in three organisations. The study suggests a definition of Mcs starting from activities. Their characteristics can be combined to constitute four distinct types, which are the basis for building the Mcs. The application appeared consistent to public managers, but the lack of commitment limited its use as an instrument of change.

Law no 150/2001 introduced the rules concerning the organization of institutional communication in Italian public administration. These rules have created a great expectation as it regards the individuation of communication professional profiles, after years of unrecognised roles of hundreds of public employees.The article describes the experience at the Department of fiscal policies where, during 2002, a team has produced a proposal of professional profiles, with the related training courses.

The actual tendency shows a development of reticular models in every sector of society, terrorism included. Communication networks help this development. An example is Al-Quaeda; its structure is supported by many reliable people who live at least in 38 countries. The goal of these networks of terrorism is creating an insecurity in the whole Occident. There’s a risk of an excessive reaction from countries victims of terrorism attack leading to a reduction of democratic guarantees. Society may accept this because there’s a danger situation. It’s necessary to use sanctions and military missions but also to help third world development, without exclusion. It needs economic investments and social programs.