New Public Management, institutional theory and changes in public accounting: a theoretical essay

Objective: This essay proposes to discuss the changes in the public sector accounting arising from the reform proposed by new public management (NPM), based on institutional theory. The research was motivated by the growing need for accountability in public management, focusing on timely accounting...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Santos, Djones Derkyan Teixeira dos, Gonçalves, Andrea de Oliveira
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
Repositorio:Revista Ambiente Contábil
Idioma:portugués
OAI Identifier:oai:periodicos.ufrn.br:article/33727
Acceso en línea:https://periodicos.ufrn.br/ambiente/article/view/33727
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Public Accounting
Public Management
Institutional Theory
Accountability
Contabilidade Pública
Gestão Pública
Teoria Institucional
New Public Management (NPM)
Contabilidad Pública
Gestión Pública
Teoría Institucional
Rendición de Cuentas
Descripción
Sumario:Objective: This essay proposes to discuss the changes in the public sector accounting arising from the reform proposed by new public management (NPM), based on institutional theory. The research was motivated by the growing need for accountability in public management, focusing on timely accounting information demanded by internal and external users. Methodology: The study is divided into two main parts. The first discusses the theoretical concept and characteristics of NPM, as well as the relevant factors behind its global development. The second part reports the changes in public sector accounting in the context of NPM, with special attention to the complexities in implementing the changes, considering cash and accrual accounting regimes and asset recording. Results: The discussion promoted in this essay demonstrates that, despite accounting being seen as fundamental to the implementation, development, and achievement of NPM, cultural, political, and institutional aspects can directly affect the desired outcome. This includes the transition between traditional public administration and new public administration. Contributions of the Study: The essay provides an institutional theory perspective for public sector accounting, specifically related to the process of changes brought by NPM. The analysis emphasizes the importance of accounting in implementing NPM while recognizing the challenges and complexities that arise in implementing the changes, including the influence of cultural, political, and institutional factors.