From Public Administration to Governance: the Paradigm Shift in the Link between Government and Citizens

The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United Nations or its Member States. ABSTRACT Public administration is an essential link between citizens and governments. Over the past 50 years, its practice and conceptual terrain have undergone four phases, namely, traditional public administration, public management, new public management, and, most recently, governance. Each phase reflected the changes in its internal and external environment. Public administration as a democratic institution must be built on structures and processes that are accountable, transparent, decentralized, able to manage legitimate elections and the administration of justice, and operate under the oversight of the parliament. Furthermore, it should combat exclusion, protect public goods, actively engage civil society and the private sector, use the power of ICT to promote e-participation, and strengthen partnerships among sectors, groups, and levels of government. Revitalizing public administration for people-centered development would require reform efforts that incorporate these characteristics.