Even more important than reform of state companies, says Nisha Agrawal, the World Bank's principal economist in Hanoi, is the government's attitude towards private ones.

ECONOMIST: Vietnam

Given the disgraceful conditions that still exist in many British prisons, Mr Straw needs to give a lead and announce a much more positive attitude to private-sector management of prisons.

ECONOMIST: Prisons

The first skateboarders are now well into their 50s, leaving an abundance of over-30 skaters with the means and attitude to maintain a private facility.

WSJ: I Say, That's One Gnarly Grind You Just Executed

One thing that quickly becomes apparent when examining the numerous regulatory reforms that are currently being attempted on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years is that the attitude of regulators towards private equity and hedge funds changed significantly during the global financial crisis.

FORBES: "Villains" of Financial Crisis Wrestle with Misperceptions

Your attitude has an impact on your private life and your health.

FORBES: Is Your Job Honeymoon Over?

And this attitude is why some people say the private sector is a more viable route.

BBC: The myth of free wi-fi

Amid speculation about industrial action in response to public sector job losses, Business Secretary Vince Cable has drawn attention to what he says was the responsible attitude of unions to belt-tightening in the private sector.

BBC: Unions urge different approach as cuts debate continues