This paper explores the definition of New Public Management (NPM), introduces its application in developing countries, and uses specific examples pertaining to health sector reform to demonstrate the effectiveness of NPM.
The essay first introduces different concepts of NPM from different scholars, then discusses the implementations of NPM in developing countries, using as case-studies the health sector reforms of Ghana, Zambia and China. Furthermore, the essay shows the influence of NPM and illustrates the improvements of health services in the aforementioned countries. Finally, this report concludes the findings, showcasing NPM as a useful paradigm to reform health sector in developing countries.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review of New Public Management
3. The NPM in Developing Countries
3.1 The Background and History of New Public Management
3.2 The Implication of NPM in Developing Countries
4. Health sector reform in developing countries
4.1 Health Sector Reform
4.2 Health Sector Reform in Africa and China
5: Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this work is to explore the definition of New Public Management (NPM), examine its implementation within developing countries, and analyze its effectiveness through specific case studies of health sector reforms in Ghana, Zambia, and China.
- Theoretical foundations and historical context of NPM
- Mechanisms of NPM implementation in developing nations
- Comparative analysis of health sector reforms in diverse regions
- Assessment of NPM as a paradigm for public sector improvement
- Economic and social impacts of decentralized health management
Excerpt from the Book
4.2 Health Sector Reform in Africa and China
In-between 1960s to 1970s, as a result of social, economic and political pressure, the public sector of Africa underwent many different change (Gibbon & Raikes, 1996). In Africa; health indication is very poor in most countries. In addition, the governments’ expenditure on public health is much lower than the desired level. This is mainly due to many factors which include a disappointed economy, backward industry, low education level, huge gap between rich and poor, lack of medical equipment with shortage of medicines (Russell, Bennett & Mill, 1999).
The ideas of new public management have been widely used and reflected in international health sector reform agenda, especially in developing countries. Berman & Bossart (2000) suggest that the reform of health sector should be purposeful, sustainable and bring about a fundamental change. After the introduction of NPM in Africa, many countries began to reform their own respective health sectors (Dovlo, 2005a).
Ghana, a country in West Africa, after a long-period of colonization by British and after becoming an independent state, the health sector began to establish a fair health care system. More hospitals and health centres were built in rural areas in order to promote the medical facilities for people who live in the countryside. In 1985, user fees was introduced as a policy of the health services being provided and this aimed at the cost recovery and to decentralize the management (Dovlo, 2005a). The ‘user fee’ policy played a good part on cutting surplus staff and improving the services of medical workers. The evidence shows that within a period of five years the staff numbers were reduced from approximately 38,000 to 27,000and some of the unskilled staff was re-employed so as to improve the amount of health workers that were trained (Dovlo, 2005b).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of traditional public management and outlines the rise of New Public Management as a response to global financial and performance crises.
2. Literature Review of New Public Management: This section details the theoretical concepts of NPM, focusing on features like accountability, performance measurement, and marketization.
3. The NPM in Developing Countries: This chapter examines the historical shift toward NPM and discusses the specific implications and methods of adopting these models in developing regions.
4. Health sector reform in developing countries: This section provides a practical application of NPM theories by analyzing case studies of health sector restructuring in Africa and China.
5: Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings, highlighting that while NPM offers a valuable paradigm for reform, its success depends on adapting it to local socioeconomic conditions.
Keywords
New Public Management, Health Sector Reform, Public Administration, Developing Countries, Governance, Privatization, Performance Measurement, Decentralization, Accountability, Public Policy, Healthcare Infrastructure, Efficiency, NPM, Marketization, Organizational Change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper primarily examines the adoption and impact of New Public Management (NPM) theories within the public sectors of developing countries, with a specific focus on health sector reform.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work focuses on the evolution of public management, the principles of NPM (such as the 3E standard of Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness), and the practical implementation of these principles in healthcare systems.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze whether NPM can serve as an effective paradigm for improving public services in developing nations by examining the successes and challenges in Ghana, Zambia, and China.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a qualitative approach, drawing on a comprehensive literature review and comparative case study analysis of health sector reforms in specific developing countries.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers the definition and history of NPM, its transformation from Western governance models, and detailed case studies illustrating how NPM-related reforms affected health service delivery.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include New Public Management, health sector reform, governance, decentralization, performance measurement, and public accountability.
How did Ghana adapt NPM in its health sector?
Ghana introduced user fees to recover costs and decentralize management, which helped reduce surplus staff while focusing on primary health care to improve service equity and coverage.
What unique challenges did China face in its health sector reform?
China faced significant disparities between urban and rural areas, shortages of trained medical personnel, and the need to establish a comprehensive health insurance system to reduce the financial burden on its citizens.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Ali Nadeem (Autor:in), 2016, New Public Management in Developing Countries. The Case of Health Sector Reform, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/340276
