Public Administration And Management Questions Long
There are several major approaches to public sector governance, each with its own implications for public administration. These approaches include the traditional model, the New Public Management (NPM) model, and the governance model.
1. Traditional Model: The traditional model of public sector governance is characterized by a hierarchical and bureaucratic structure. In this approach, decision-making authority is concentrated at the top, with little input from lower-level employees or external stakeholders. The focus is on maintaining stability and following established rules and procedures. The implications for public administration include a rigid and inflexible system, slow decision-making processes, and limited accountability.
2. New Public Management (NPM) Model: The NPM model emerged in the 1980s as a response to the perceived inefficiencies of the traditional model. It emphasizes market-oriented principles and aims to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in the public sector. Key features of the NPM model include decentralization, performance measurement, competition, and the use of market mechanisms. The implications for public administration include a focus on results and outcomes, increased autonomy for public sector organizations, and a greater emphasis on customer satisfaction. However, critics argue that the NPM model can lead to a narrow focus on efficiency at the expense of equity and social justice.
3. Governance Model: The governance model represents a shift from hierarchical and bureaucratic structures to a more collaborative and networked approach. It recognizes the importance of involving multiple stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector, in decision-making processes. The governance model emphasizes partnership, participation, and shared responsibility. The implications for public administration include a greater emphasis on citizen engagement, increased transparency and accountability, and the need for new skills and competencies among public administrators to facilitate collaboration and coordination.
Overall, the major approaches to public sector governance have different implications for public administration. The traditional model emphasizes stability and adherence to rules, the NPM model focuses on efficiency and performance, and the governance model promotes collaboration and citizen engagement. Public administrators need to be aware of these different approaches and their implications in order to effectively manage and govern public sector organizations.