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2001
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Ewan Ferlie, « Public Management in the United Kingdom : Efficiency and Accountability », Politiques et Management Public, ID : 10.3406/pomap.2001.2683
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Résumé
This paper examines some large scale changes which have taken place in the management of public service organisations in the United Kingdom over the last twenty or so years. These can be best described as an example of 'New Public Management' (NPM) ideas. The UK is unusual in the extent to which these ideas have been adopted within the public services. Some reasons for this pattern of 'high NPM impact' will be outlined and the key features of the UK NPM model described. The question of whether the New Labour Governments are likely to disturb this pattern is considered but it is concluded that adjustments are likely to be marginal. In the second half of the paper, the question of accountability with the NPM is addressed in more detail. Different modes of accountability are described. It is concluded that the dominant mode of accountability remains 'upwards accountability', with much weaker forms of 'downwards accountability. ' While the NPM may have brought efficiency and managerial advantages, the dangers of this continuing democratic deficit are also evident.