Swimming on Land: Some Suggestions for Today’s Public Administration

In recent decades researchers have suggested various models for public administration organizations. These models and reforms, generally called New Public Management and Post-New Public Management, ignore the different developmental phases of public organizations, especially when dealing with non-Western countries. Instead of asking how public organizations should look, we suggest asking what should they do? To answer this question, we present several principles on the individual and organizational levels that can serve as a good compass for public managers. On the individual level, we maintain that public employees should focus on listening, helping and learning. On the organizational level, we advocate incorporating public policy with public administration, embracing core principles as opposed to trying to achieve ends, and returning public administration to its key role. These principles reinforce each other and thus can enhance the capability of public organizations.