New Public Management

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New public management (NPM) is a general concept denoting a global wave of administrative reform that has had an impact on the public sectors of many countries for more than 2 decades. It is inspired by a broad neoliberal ideology and a particular set of normative values whose main focus is on increasing efficiency. In this sense, NPM is rather one dimensional and produces some tensions with other norms and values within the public sector. The concept was launched by Christopher Hood in an article published in 1991. Most NPM reform efforts have had similar goals: to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the public sector, enhance the responsiveness of public agencies to their clients and customers, reduce public expenditure, and improve managerial accountability. One primary characteristic of NPM involves public organizations adopting the management and organizational forms used by private companies. It challenges two traditional doctrines of public administration: ...

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