Public Administration Review

Sustainability in Public Sector Procurement Policies

2026-02-23T17:45:13+02:00

This research investigates the integration of sustainability in public sector procurement policies. It evaluates current practices and offers insights into how governmental institutions can implement more sustainable procurement strategies. With a focus on environmental impact and resource efficiency, the paper discusses key challenges and opportunities. Case studies illustrate successful models of sustainable procurement that balance ecological concerns with economic viability, aiming to support policymakers in driving sustainable change.

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Closing the Street-Level Discretion Gap: A Bureaucratic Calibration Framework for Algorithmic Decision Support in Means-Tested Benefit Administration

2026-06-25T16:42:04+03:00

Algorithmic decision-support systems (ADSS) increasingly mediate frontline caseworker determinations in means-tested public benefit programs, yet institutional frameworks governing street-level discretion calibration remain underdeveloped. This study examines the structural misalignment between automated eligibility scoring and human administrative judgment in welfare administration across three OECD jurisdictions. Drawing on a mixed-methods design combining administrative microdata analysis (n = 84,630 casefiles) and semi-structured interviews with 62 frontline administrators, we identify systematic discretion compression—a condition in which ADSS output constrains caseworker agency below legislatively mandated thresholds. Our findings demonstrate that procedural legitimacy deficits arise when algorithmic outputs are treated as binding rather than advisory. We propose a Bureaucratic Calibration Framework (BCF) operationalizing tiered override protocols, auditability benchmarks, and discretion-preservation mandates, offering actionable governance pathways for public administrators navigating automation-accountability tensions.

Climate Change Policies in Urban Planning: An Integrative Review

2026-02-23T17:35:04+02:00

This article critically examines climate change policies within urban planning frameworks. City planners face increasing pressure to integrate environmental considerations into urban development policies. This research reviews contemporary strategies, highlighting both the successes and challenges of implementing sustainable urban environments. Focusing on carbon reduction, renewable energy sources, and green infrastructure, the study evaluates the effectiveness of current policies across diverse urban settings. By providing a comparative analysis, the article seeks to guide policymakers in creating more resilient urban environments that can withstand climate-related adversities.

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Leveraging Digital Platforms for Enhanced Public Service Delivery

2026-06-05T10:44:42+03:00

This study explores the impact of digital platforms in the enhancement of public service delivery. It examines how technology-driven platforms can improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction in public administration. By analyzing case studies from various countries, the article identifies key factors that contribute to successful digital integration in government services.

Innovative Governance Models in Urban Public Administration

2026-06-03T14:29:00+03:00

This article explores innovative governance models that are transforming urban public administration. By examining case studies from various cities, the research highlights the successes and challenges of implementing new technologies and participatory approaches. The study concludes that while innovation can greatly enhance efficiency and citizen engagement, it also requires careful planning and adaptation to local contexts.

Reassessing the Foundations of Bureaucratic Accountability: A Critical Examination of Paradigmatic Limitations in Public Governance

2026-07-23T12:31:01+03:00

This study critically evaluates the established concepts of bureaucratic accountability within the framework of public governance, highlighting the inherent paradigmatic limitations that have shaped current practices. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with public administrators and quantitative survey data, we analyze the disconnect between theoretical postulations and practical implementations. Through this analysis, we unveil the discrepancies that hinder effective accountability mechanisms and propose a reformed model that better aligns with contemporary governance challenges. Our findings indicate that the existing accountability frameworks are insufficient for addressing the complexities of modern public administration, necessitating a shift towards more adaptable and transparent processes. This critical re-evaluation serves as a call to action for scholars and practitioners alike to reconsider the foundational principles guiding bureaucratic accountability in public administration.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Public Sector

2026-04-27T14:57:27+03:00

This article examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and decision-making. It explores various applications of AI, such as predictive analytics and automated services, and discusses the ethical considerations and challenges associated with AI implementation in government operations. The findings emphasize the need for a balanced approach to harnessing AI's benefits while mitigating risks.
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Dismantling the Weberian Orthodoxy: Bureaucratic Discretion, Street-Level Legitimacy, and the Post-NPM Governance Deficit in Fragmented Administrative States

2026-06-25T16:46:57+03:00

Contemporary public administration scholarship has long privileged Weberian hierarchical rationality as the normative benchmark for organizational accountability. This article critically interrogates that assumption by synthesizing multilevel governance theory, discretionary judgment frameworks, and post-New Public Management (post-NPM) institutional analysis across four OECD member states. Drawing on comparative case study methodology and structured elite interviews with 112 senior civil servants conducted between 2022 and 2024, the study identifies a systemic "legitimacy displacement" phenomenon whereby formal rule adherence erodes substantive democratic responsiveness at street-level bureaucratic interfaces. Findings demonstrate that fragmented administrative architectures systematically amplify principal–agent misalignment while constraining adaptive policy implementation. The article proposes a Discretionary Legitimacy Equilibrium (DLE) model as an alternative analytical scaffold for recalibrating accountability norms in post-hierarchical governance regimes. Policy implications for institutional redesign are discussed.

Digital Transformation in Public Financial Management

2026-02-23T17:39:34+02:00

This paper investigates the impact of digital transformation on public financial management (PFM). As governments face increasing pressure to enhance transparency and efficiency, digital tools offer promising solutions for modernizing PFM systems. The study explores various digital initiatives and their influence on improving fiscal accountability and resource allocation. By examining global case studies, it assesses the challenges and opportunities associated with digitalizing public financial processes. The findings provide insights into leveraging technology for more transparent, efficient, and accountable public financial management.

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Public Policy and Environmental Sustainability

2026-06-05T10:49:15+03:00

This article examines the intersection of public policy and environmental sustainability. It highlights the role of public administration in promoting sustainable practices. The research analyzes policy frameworks that integrate environmental considerations into public administration, offering insights into effective sustainability strategies.

The Impact of E-Government on Public Service Delivery

2026-06-03T14:33:33+03:00

This article evaluates the impact of e-government initiatives on public service delivery. By assessing the effectiveness of digital platforms, the study highlights improvements in accessibility and efficiency. The paper also discusses challenges such as digital divide and security concerns.

Collaborative Governance: Bridging the Gap Between Public and Private Sectors

2026-05-22T10:38:29+03:00

The article explores collaborative governance as a strategy to bridge the gap between public and private sectors. It examines how partnerships can enhance service delivery, innovation, and resource allocation. The study presents case studies of successful collaborations, highlighting the benefits and challenges of integrating public and private sector efforts in governance.
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Navigating Institutional Complexity: An Empirical Analysis of Bureaucratic Resilience in Citizen Engagement During Crisis Management

2026-07-23T12:26:23+03:00

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of bureaucratic resilience in the context of citizen engagement during crisis management. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a case study analysis involving multiple public administration agencies and their interaction with citizens during a recent natural disaster. Our findings reveal that bureaucratic flexibility, enhanced communication strategies, and the integration of citizen feedback significantly contributed to improved crisis response outcomes. The study underscores the imperative for public administration frameworks to evolve, enabling adaptive governance that fosters resilient citizen-state interactions. These insights serve as a foundation for policymakers to enhance engagement mechanisms in future crises.