Reimagining the bureaucracy and post-bureaucracy debate: a systematic literature review on paradoxes in public administration

Marta Ingaggiati · Giovanni Barbato · Marco Guerci · Renato Ruffini

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Public Policy and Administration Research Public Administration and Governance Management and Organizational Studies

Abstract

The relation between bureaucracy and postbureaucracy sparks debate within public administration (PA), typically conceptualized as a ‘simplistic’ replacement of alternative paradigms. However, scholars argued for the coexistence of bureaucratic and postbureaucratic features in PAs, which may foster paradoxical tensions. This article contributes to this debate adopting a paradox lens, and by employing the PRISMA methodology to systematize literature on PA-paradoxes, and their relation to bureaucracy and postbureaucracy. The findings reveal the pervasiveness of PA paradoxes and their relation to bureaucracy-post-bureaucracy contraposition. Therefore, this paper enriches the traditional conceptualization of bureaucracy and post-bureaucracy with a more reconciliatory approach through paradoxical lens.

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References

2003Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence‐Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review 2015Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015: elaboration and explanation 1991A PUBLIC MANAGEMENT FOR ALL SEASONS?2019The Handbook of Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis 2000Exploring Paradox: Toward a More Comprehensive Guide 1996Creating public value: strategic management in government 1995Creating public value : strategic management in government 2006The New Public Governance? 1

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