The New Public Administration (NPA) movement emerged during the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the perceived limitations of traditional public administration theories and practices.
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It aimed to introduce a more critical and socially conscious approach to the study and practice of public administration. This movement had a profound impact on the study of comparative public administration, bringing about significant changes.
One key impact of the NPA on comparative public administration was its challenge to the conventional understanding of public administration as a neutral and value-free field. The NPA emphasized the importance of considering the social and political contexts when analyzing administrative systems. Consequently, comparative public administration began to acknowledge that administrative practices are influenced by socio-political factors. It expanded its focus beyond structural comparisons to incorporate an examination of underlying values, ideologies, and power dynamics.
Moreover, the NPA emphasized the need for public administration to be more responsive to the needs and aspirations of marginalized and disadvantaged groups. It advocated for greater citizen participation, social equity, and social justice within the field. Comparative public administration was influenced by this emphasis on inclusiveness and equity, broadening its scope of analysis. Comparative studies now explore how administrative systems in different countries address issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, as well as how they incorporate citizen input and participation.
Additionally, the NPA promoted a multidisciplinary approach to the study of public administration, drawing insights from various fields such as sociology, political science, and economics. This interdisciplinary perspective has had an impact on comparative public administration by enriching the analytical frameworks used and fostering a broader understanding of administrative systems.
In summary, the NPA has significantly influenced the study of comparative public administration by introducing a critical lens, emphasizing contextual analysis, social equity, citizen participation, and interdisciplinary approaches. These changes have prompted scholars to examine administrative systems in a more holistic and socially conscious manner.