Public management theory

This chapter argues that the underlying logic of public service delivery has been flawed and needs to be re-addressed through engagement with service theory. It outlines briefly the development of the prevailing paradigm of public management from public administration and develops a critique of its product-dominant bias. The chapter then presents a discussion of the development of New Public Governance from New Public Management and explores the potential of a public service-dominant logic to generate insights that are more ‘fit for purpose’ for contemporary public services. The final section of the chapter draws together reflections on this new approach to understanding public management.