The present volume can be considered an attempt to map the relationships of administration with its institutional environment. It responds to a dual research endeavor: First, it seeks to record the interactions developed by Greek administration with its institutional environment. Secondly, it attempts to outline significant aspects of its contemporary role, through the comparison of - conventionally characterized as - "external" perspectives. In this way, a first answer is attempted to the question of whether the legitimate expectations of the institutional environment find a response and which - visible or invisible - factors influence this response.

The individual contributions in the volume are organized into three parts: The first concerns the relationship of administration with its broader institutional environment, which can include legislative and judicial power, as well as the European Union framework. The second focuses on its closer institutional environment, which includes self-government, independent authorities, and audit bodies, i.e. institutions that operate at a certain distance from administration, either as a whole or as central administration. And the third explores the role of administration in shaping public policy, in interaction with politics and the expectations of its socio-economic environment.