PUBLIC POLICY MAKING UNDER GOVERNANCE PARADIGM: IMPLICATIONS FOR BUREAUCRACY

Abstract

Good governance hinges on how effectively bureaucracy can accomplish the public policy intents. A competent bureaucracy is thus critical for realizing the wants of the people and their political institutions. Governments everywhere including Pakistan are facing significant challenges for adopting and implementing ‘good’ public policies. Concurrently, bureaucracies are now threatened by the competition from the private and ‘third’ sector for the policy delivery and advice. Adding to the perplexity and intractability of policy problems are the fiscal constriction, globalization, awareness about human rights and the growing political fragmentation. The contemporary ‘Steel Frame’ is hence confronted with inimitable environmental challenges questioning its competency and dexterity. This paper examines the bureaucratic milieu through an institutional framework in the changing mechanisms of public service delivery; dissecting and restricting to its implications for bureaucracy, to draw lessons for governments in Pakistan and elsewhere. It cautions that viability of bureaucratic reforms depends on a vibrant civil society, institutionalized morals, academic think tanks and a legitimate democratic government. Reforms in Pakistan must be contingent upon public administration and societal traditions, leading to governance that is a more cooperative than that is practiced by our bureaucracy.