FROM TRADITIONAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TO NEW PUBLIC GOVERNANCE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION APPROACHES

Abstract

Abstract: Public administration approaches have undergone continuous transformation throughout history under the influence of social, political, and economic dynamics. In particular , processes such as industrialization, globalization, and democratization have significantly changed the form and functioning of public administration. The traditional model of public administration, built on principles such as centralization, hierarchy, and legal- rational authority, remained dominant for many years. However, the growing demand for public services and increasing emphasis on effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in the late 20th century led to the emergence of alternative administrative paradigms, including New Public Administration (NPA), New Public Management (NPM), New Public Service (NPS), and New Public Governance (NPG). This article aims to comparatively analyze these approaches within a historical and theoretical framework. Special emphasis is placed on clarifying the conceptual confusion between NPA and NPM, which is frequently encountered in the literature. The study adopts a qualitative research design and utilizes document analysis to examine both theoretical and applied academic sources. The findings indicate that public administration approaches are shaped not only by technical reforms but also by ideological orientations, citizen-state relations, and societal expectations. Each model defines the nature of public service and the role of public officials differently, leading to varying practical implications. Ultimately, understanding the historical evolution of

public administration thought is essential for grasping the paradigmatic shifts in governance. Clearly distinguishing the differences among models contributes both to academic clarity and to guiding practitioners.

Keywords: Public Administration Approaches, Traditional Public Administration, New Public Administration, New Public Management, New Public Service, New Public Governance.