What are the 7 principles of the new public service?

The seven principles of the New Public Service offer a framework for public administrators focusing on serving citizens rather than steering them. These principles emphasize democratic values, community engagement, and accountability. Understanding these principles helps ensure that public service is effective, ethical, and aligned with the needs of the community.

What Are the 7 Principles of the New Public Service?

The New Public Service (NPS) framework, developed by Janet V. Denhardt and Robert B. Denhardt, emphasizes serving citizens and fostering democracy. Here are the seven principles:

1. Serve Citizens, Not Customers: Public servants should prioritize the needs and interests of citizens, engaging with them as partners in governance rather than treating them as mere consumers of services.

2. Seek the Public Interest: Decisions should be guided by the public interest, aiming for outcomes that benefit the community as a whole rather than individual interests.

3. Value Citizenship and Public Service: Encourage active citizenship and recognize the intrinsic value of public service as a noble and essential component of democracy.

4. Think Strategically, Act Democratically: Strategic thinking should be coupled with democratic action, ensuring that policies and programs are developed through inclusive and participatory processes.

5. Recognize That Accountability Isn’t Simple: Accountability should be multi-faceted, involving not only hierarchical and legal accountability but also ethical and democratic dimensions.

6. Serve Rather Than Steer: Public administrators should facilitate and support community efforts rather than directing or controlling them, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

7. Value People, Not Just Productivity: Emphasize the importance of human relationships and the well-being of employees and citizens, recognizing that productivity should not overshadow the human aspect of public service.

How Do These Principles Enhance Public Service?

Serve Citizens, Not Customers

This principle encourages a shift from a market-driven approach to one that prioritizes democratic engagement. By treating citizens as partners, public administrators can foster trust and collaboration, leading to more effective and equitable policies.

Seek the Public Interest

Focusing on the public interest ensures that policies and actions are aligned with the broader community’s needs. This approach helps prevent the capture of public resources by special interests and promotes fairness and justice.

Value Citizenship and Public Service

Promoting active citizenship empowers individuals to participate in governance, enhancing democratic processes. Recognizing the value of public service also attracts dedicated individuals to the field, improving the quality of governance.

Think Strategically, Act Democratically

Strategic thinking involves setting long-term goals and planning effectively, while democratic action ensures that these plans are implemented in a way that respects and includes diverse perspectives. This balance leads to more sustainable and accepted outcomes.

Recognize That Accountability Isn’t Simple

Accountability in public service is complex, requiring transparency, ethical behavior, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. By acknowledging this complexity, public administrators can build systems that ensure responsible governance.

Serve Rather Than Steer

Facilitating community efforts allows for more innovative and locally relevant solutions. By supporting rather than controlling, public servants can empower communities to take ownership of their development.

Value People, Not Just Productivity

Recognizing the importance of human relationships in public service leads to a more motivated and engaged workforce. This focus on people enhances job satisfaction and improves service delivery.

Practical Examples of the New Public Service Principles

• Community Policing: This approach exemplifies serving citizens rather than steering by involving community members in developing policing strategies, thus enhancing trust and cooperation.

• Participatory Budgeting: Engaging citizens in budgetary decisions reflects the principles of seeking the public interest and acting democratically, ensuring that resources are allocated according to community priorities.

• Transparent Reporting: Implementing comprehensive reporting systems that include citizen feedback demonstrates accountability’s complexity, fostering trust and transparency.

People Also Ask

What Is the Difference Between New Public Service and New Public Management?

The New Public Service focuses on democratic values and citizen engagement, whereas New Public Management emphasizes efficiency and market-driven practices. NPS prioritizes collaboration and public interest, while NPM often focuses on cost-cutting and performance metrics.

How Can Public Administrators Implement These Principles?

Public administrators can implement these principles by fostering open communication, encouraging citizen participation, and developing policies that reflect community values. Training programs and workshops can also help instill these values in public servants.

Why Is Accountability Complex in Public Service?

Accountability in public service involves multiple dimensions, including legal, ethical, and democratic aspects. Public administrators must balance these to ensure transparency, fairness, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

How Does Valuing People Improve Public Service?

Valuing people enhances job satisfaction and motivation among public servants, leading to better service delivery. It also fosters a positive organizational culture that supports innovation and collaboration.

What Role Does Strategic Thinking Play in Public Service?

Strategic thinking helps public administrators set long-term goals and develop effective plans. When combined with democratic action, it ensures that these plans are implemented inclusively, leading to sustainable and widely accepted outcomes.

Conclusion

The seven principles of the New Public Service provide a valuable framework for ensuring that public administration is democratic, ethical, and effective. By prioritizing citizen engagement, public interest, and human values, these principles help create a public service that truly serves the community. For more insights on public administration, consider exploring related topics such as participatory governance and the role of ethics in public service.