The United States Federal Government and New Public Management: How Good a Fit?

Abstract

This article begins with an examination of the design of the United States governmental system – ‘separated institutions sharing powers’ – and the lack of attention that the framers of the American Constitution gave to the administrative arm of the state. Because of the separation of powers and the lack of attention given to the administrative arm, the bureaucracy that eventually developed in the USA has become contested ground. The article provides a brief introduction to the New Public Management, especially as it has been attempted in the USA, and the issues involved in applying the New Public Management in that country. General issues about New Public Management are raised, particularly about the problems of applying private sector solutions to pubic management. The article concludes that the design features that make the United States system resemble a market, and the unclear role of administration in the system, make it difficult to successfully apply many features of the New Public Management.