Trends and Challenges in Public Sector Reform: Insights from the Literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62066/jpaps.v1i1.22Keywords:
Public Sector Reform, Digitalization, Participatory Governance, Transparency, Institutional ChallengesAbstract
Reform in the public sector is still an essential topic for governments around the globe, spurred by rising expectations for effectiveness, openness, responsibility, and engaged citizenry in public service. This literature review amalgamates contemporary scholarly work concerning the dynamic trends and enduring challenges delineating public sector reform in various global contexts. Principal findings underscore the transformative influence of digitalization, the emergence of participatory and collaborative governance, and the growing focus on transparency and mechanisms to combat corruption. Nevertheless, the review concurrently recognizes persistent challenges, including institutional inertia against change, political volatility, capacity limitations, and context-specific impediments that hinder effective implementation. Notable disparities are observed between developed and developing nations, wherein resource availability, institutional sophistication, and socio-political conditions significantly shape the trajectories and outcomes of reform initiatives. This inquiry enriches the academic dialogue by amalgamating theoretical innovations with empirical insights and emphasizes the necessity for adaptive, contextually aware, and inclusive approaches to pursue substantive reform. Ultimately, the review identifies deficiencies in comparative, longitudinal, and equity-centered research, advocating for forthcoming investigations that enhance comprehension of reform repercussions and guide more efficacious public sector transformations.
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