posted on 2017-06-07, 05:50authored bySamaratunge, Ramanie
In the new model of public management, a decentralisation approach to policy formulation and implementation is emphasised. Decentralisation is a central focus in much of the recent literature on development, for instance, 'decentralisation is a common theme of policy debates in almost all Western countries at present' (Bennett 1990). In most developing countries, decentralisation has been one of the most widely adopted reforms in politics and administration experienced even before the new model of public management emerged. Many researchers and international aid agencies have seen decentralisation as a remedy for many problems existing in developing countries. The expectations of decentralisation are very high, but in developing countries the results have so far been very disappointing. Despite a great deal of interest showed by international organisations, attempts have not yet met with adequate success. The paper argues that decentralisation approach to policy formulation and implementation so far has been used to strengthen political and administrative power base of elite groups at various government levels in developing countries rather than improving public service quality and delivering. It examines the new model of public management as a new managerial outlook for developing countries and analyses how far decentralisation approach emphasised by the new model is compatible with/different from what is experiencing in developing countries in terms of public service quality and its efficient delivery. Further research directions will also be identified.