Podcast
Questions and Answers
New Public Management (NPM) emerged primarily in the 1970s as a response to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
New Public Management (NPM) emerged primarily in the 1970s as a response to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
False
NPM emphasizes measurable outcomes over rigorous processes.
NPM emphasizes measurable outcomes over rigorous processes.
True
Critics of NPM argue that it promotes ethical standards within public management.
Critics of NPM argue that it promotes ethical standards within public management.
False
The Fulton Report critiqued the lack of accountability in the public services in the USA.
The Fulton Report critiqued the lack of accountability in the public services in the USA.
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NPM programs are characterized by a results-oriented approach that focuses on achieving outcomes.
NPM programs are characterized by a results-oriented approach that focuses on achieving outcomes.
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Management is characterized by following instructions and processes, while administration is proactive and goal-oriented.
Management is characterized by following instructions and processes, while administration is proactive and goal-oriented.
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Privatization and competition are considered market-based approaches in NPM.
Privatization and competition are considered market-based approaches in NPM.
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The Reid Inquiry in Australia focused on reducing performance-based incentives in public management.
The Reid Inquiry in Australia focused on reducing performance-based incentives in public management.
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New Public Management (NPM) incorporates principles of flexibility and performance-based evaluation borrowed from the public sector.
New Public Management (NPM) incorporates principles of flexibility and performance-based evaluation borrowed from the public sector.
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One of the criticisms of NPM is that its economic principles may not apply to the complexities of public services.
One of the criticisms of NPM is that its economic principles may not apply to the complexities of public services.
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The introduction of performance-based rewards for employees is a characteristic of New Public Management.
The introduction of performance-based rewards for employees is a characteristic of New Public Management.
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Privatization under NPM referred to as outsourcing does not involve private or voluntary sectors for public service delivery.
Privatization under NPM referred to as outsourcing does not involve private or voluntary sectors for public service delivery.
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Public Choice Theory suggests that self-interest is a primary driver of decision-making in public services.
Public Choice Theory suggests that self-interest is a primary driver of decision-making in public services.
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NPM has faced criticism for reducing accountability in public administration.
NPM has faced criticism for reducing accountability in public administration.
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Neo-Taylorism is a term used to describe the focus of NPM on collaboration and ethics in public administration.
Neo-Taylorism is a term used to describe the focus of NPM on collaboration and ethics in public administration.
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NPM aims to maintain ethical standards and impartiality while promoting results-oriented governance.
NPM aims to maintain ethical standards and impartiality while promoting results-oriented governance.
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Breaking large departments into smaller, more specialized agencies is a reform associated with NPM.
Breaking large departments into smaller, more specialized agencies is a reform associated with NPM.
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NPM does not incorporate any traditional administrative practices in its approach to public governance.
NPM does not incorporate any traditional administrative practices in its approach to public governance.
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Study Notes
New Public Management (NPM)
- NPM emerged in the 1980s and 1990s.
- NPM draws on private sector practices.
- NPM emphasizes measurable results over procedures.
- NPM seeks managerial responsibility and flexibility.
- NPM uses market-based approaches (outsourcing, competition).
- Traditional bureaucracy is less efficient, motivating the emergence of NPM.
Management vs. Administration
- Management: proactive, focuses on achieving results and planning strategically.
- Administration: reactive, follows instructions, processes, rules.
- Management functions include: strategy, personnel, and performance monitoring.
Origins of NPM
- Bureaucratic inefficiency in public services spurred early reforms.
- Reforms in the UK, USA, and Australia led to changes.
- UK: Fulton Report (1968) criticized rigid hierarchies.
- USA: Civil Service Reform Act (1978) introduced performance-based incentives.
- Australia: Reid Inquiry (1982) led to structural changes.
NPM Programs
- Strategic planning with clear objectives and measures.
- Results-oriented approach (outcomes over procedures).
- Financial reforms (moving from cash to accrual accounting, program/performance budgeting).
- Flexible staffing/organizing (easier hiring/firing, smaller agencies).
- Privatization/contracting-out of services.
- Accountability to the public.
Theoretical Basis
- Economics: emphasizing individual rationality, competition (public choice theory).
- Private management principles: flexibility, performance monitoring, strategic planning.
- Combining economic and private management principles.
Criticisms of NPM
- Economic principles don't always apply to public services.
- Reliance on private-sector models which don't fully fit public services.
- Difficulty measuring performance in sectors like education/healthcare.
- Revival of Taylor's scientific management, emphasizing measurement and control/over-controlling.
- Blurring lines between politics and administration, less neutrality.
- Conflicts between managerial and political accountability.
- Ethical issues from privatization and performance-based incentives.
Conclusion
- NPM aims for efficiency, accountability, and flexibility.
- It mixes traditional and modern practices.
- Despite criticisms, it persists as a standard model.
- Future challenges include ethics, professionalism, and impartiality.
Key Takeaways
- NPM focuses heavily on results, accountability, market reforms.
- NPM draws heavily from private sectors but adapts.
- NPM faces criticisms about undermining public service and ethical concerns.
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Description
Explore the concept of New Public Management (NPM) which emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on efficiency and measurable results. This quiz covers the key distinctions between management and administration, alongside the origins and influences that shaped NPM reforms in different countries. Test your knowledge on the principles and practices of modern public management.
