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The Simplification of Public Administration: A Managerial Perspective

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  • Modugno Guido

    (University of Trieste, Italy)

  • Bertoni Michele

    (University of Trieste, Italy)

  • De Rosa Bruno

    (University of Trieste, Italy)

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue of complexity in the administrative processes of public institutions: in particular, accounting routines and processes are examined. Back-office activities, although having a mere supporting role in the delivery of public services, absorb a relevant part of the resources of public institutions. The aim of the paper is to analyse the factors that contribute to the enhancement of complexity of these activities. The paper is based on an in-depth analysis of two Italian public organisations: a university and an ASP (agency for services to persons). Italy is an interesting context since simplification policies have been adopted in the country at central government level and in specific sectors of public administration, however, at the institutional level, simplification initiatives depend on the initiative of the single organisation. The cases described in this paper show that complexity stems from the need for inspectory controls (which is typical of the law) as well as from the volume of information requested (which is typical of management studies) for different stakeholders and at different, yet correlated, levels. The paper suggests that public management scholars have the opportunity and the burden of a contribution in this field.

Suggested Citation

  • Modugno Guido & Bertoni Michele & De Rosa Bruno, 2022. "The Simplification of Public Administration: A Managerial Perspective," Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy, Sciendo, vol. 68(1), pages 64-76, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:ngooec:v:68:y:2022:i:1:p:64-76:n:6
    DOI: 10.2478/ngoe-2022-0006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Irvine Lapsley & Riccardo Mussari & Gert Paulsson, 2009. "On the Adoption of Accrual Accounting in the Public Sector: A Self-Evident and Problematic Reform," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(4), pages 719-723.
    2. Mark Christensen, 2007. "What We Might Know (But Aren't Sure) About Public-Sector Accrual Accounting," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 17(41), pages 51-65, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alic Bîrcă & Christiana Brigitte Sandu & Igor Matveiciuc, 2023. "Determinants of Public Institutions Competitiveness: Case Study of the Republic of Moldova," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-25, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    simplification; support activities; processes; public administration; stakeholders;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M48 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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