New Public Management: Lean State, Lean Government

(October 27– November 03, 2006)
by Rommel San Gaspar

Rommel San Gaspar

The objective of this presence seminar in Germany was to complete the online phases of the New Public Management (NPM) seminar sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) which focused on the ideas of liberalism, NPM and its relation to existing public administration. The real life seminar aimed to discuss the adaptability of the theories for necessary reforms in public administration through realistic approaches. More sophisticated discussions and actual group work presentations were used.

The seminar in Germany aimed to further the participants’ understanding of NPM and its conceptual elements.

• Lean state
• Separation of decision making levels
• Lean government / lean management
• New service attitude
• Costumer orientation
• New model of control

CONCLUSIONS

Generally, the New Public Management seminar in Gummersbach, Germany was educational. The utilization of various means to elaborate the elements of NPM was useful and inspiring. It showed the fruits that can be derived from the practice of NPM as well as the convenience it will provide in uplifting the standards of public service.

Personally, I stand by the pronouncement I made in Gummersbach, Germany in response to the question — “Is it all just a theory?” It is not. New Public Management is a high caliber management tool I have learned from the Academy. I maintain my position that if we can’t push for the reforms we want for the organization we belong to, at least there is the possibility of imposing it on our branch or department. And if we can’t assert it today, the future promises hope that liberal minded leaders will adopt New Public Management reforms; this will be done with the people FNF trained for NPM and not trained by textbooks bought at stores.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Like what my co-participants coined and urged, it is high time for governments to have a paradigm shift — a shift for reforms in systems and attitude. To shape up or ship out; this is the dictate needed to escape the current economic hardships brought about by poverty, war, government incompetence, political situations, etc. Globally, the race towards progress may have long been over. Countries who linger at the pit of economic helplessness and political turmoil just need to stimulate themselves and to commit to sincere and long lasting reform efforts. Politicians and leaders must start to realize their roles in attaining the desired goals and changes must happen simultaneously in all levels of the bureaucratic hierarchy.

The aforementioned did not remain in our minds when we attended the NPM seminar. What we comprehended however, was that the accomplishments and living standards that NPM practicing countries like Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the US, and many others have attained, are at levels we can only dream of right now. For third world countries, which politicians irately evade being classified or associated with, the principal element in achieving a decent standard of living for citizens is surprisingly not enormous financial resources but simply a collective change in service attitude and government policies.

For a country that needs its government to improve its present system of public administration, I propose a set of NPM inspired approaches which may be helpful in reforming my local community: the Municipal Government of Pakil in the Province of Laguna, Philippines.

FIVE (5) STAGE APPROACH IN ADOPTING NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (NPM) FOR THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF PAKIL

1. DISCUSSION OF NPM, ITS TRENDS AND ISSUES IN AN ELECTION DEBATE
   Willingness of candidates to adopt it
   
   1. Formal FNF training of NGO moderators (three persons maximum) for competent knowledge of NPM upon conduct of election debate. [pre-debate]
   2. Preparation and cataloging of strategic debate questions leading to NPM Acceptance. [pre-debate]
   3. Live debate on political platforms and candidates’ openness to reforms and adoption of NPM as a means to reforms.
   4. Candidates signing of a memorandum of understanding, pledging adoption of NPM by whoever wins the election. [after debate]
      
      
2. LEADERS AND STAFF MOTIVATION AND RE-ORIENTATION SEMINAR
   
   After inauguration of newly-elected officials
   1. Understanding the civil service: client-costumer relationship and the obligation of both parties
   2. Code of work ethics
      
      
3. PARTIAL APPLICATION OF NPM IN THE ADMINISTRATION
   
   As agreed in memorandum of understanding by the candidates before the election
   1. Lean Management – Non-renewal of excess contractual employees and freeze hiring
   2. New service attitude (see II)
   3. Monitoring and new control models (see charter)
   4. Lean state: seek lease operation of public markets (Gonzales and Kabulusan) and Turumba Spring Resort.
      
      
4. INTRODUCTION OF A CITIZEN’S CHARTER
   
   Incorporating NPM
   1. Presentation to the OMM and SB by a prominent NGO
      1. Contents of the Citizens’ Charter
      2. Justifications
      3. Expected results
   2. Adoption and approval
      
      
5. ACCEPTANCE OF A PROFESSIONALIZED BUREAUCRACY
   
   Printing of the Charter and making the citizenry aware – a continuous campaign
   1. Implementation
   2. Regular updates and provisions reformulation