Through case studies of two prison systems - the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Dutch prison system - Arjen Boin identifies the challenges and opportunities that confront public managers who want to reorient correctional policy and make prisons more effective.

Crafting Public Institutions contrasts the two prison systems to show how focused leadership - or its absence - can make a major difference in the character and performance of public organizations. The ability of leaders to shape an organization's mission and motivate public servants in accordance with policy goals, Boin concludes, lies at the heart of making institutions work.