Replevin of Administrative Reform: Meaning and Conceptual Models
Koldo Echebarria Ariznabarreta
This paper is a replevin of the analytical and practical character of administrative reform in the processes of State transformation. It defends the conceptualisation of reform as a discontinuous change of administrative institutions. This separates reform from other categories of State transformation. As a discontinuous change, reform would be different from mere modernisation; peripheral, technical or mechanical change; no substantive change. As an institutional change, administrative reform would be different from transformation based on State action by means of public policies and State responsibility before other actors. As an administrative change, reform would occupy a different place in politics aimed at changes in political institutions and changing the legitimacy of public branches.
This paper delves into four different kinds of administrative reform: guarantor, efficient, contractual and diligent. A distinction is made between non-managerial reforms and managerial reforms. Both do not need to be coincident or supplement each other, as opposed to the homogeneity view of public management sometimes intended. Each model is defined by central values and policies sought, such as civil service, organisational structures, decision making and relations with citizens. Finally, conclusions include some guidelines to be followed by reformers when implementing such concepts and models.
Boletín Reforme N° 397
