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Governance and accountability in reshaping public services: Open challenges and Wicked Problems of the 21st Century

Barbera, Carmela; Ferry, Laurence; Hyndman, Noel; Liguori, Mariannunziata; McCandless, Sean; Midgley, Henry

Authors

Carmela Barbera

Noel Hyndman

Sean McCandless



Abstract

Issues of accountability are ubiquitous in public governance. Accountability connects with other concerns like legitimacy, power, citizen engagement, and new modes of service production. These issues and connections become all the more poignant given the evolving landscape of public services amidst the backdrop of 21st-century poly-crises. The pieces in this special issue explore these dynamics, particularly concerning shifting governing modes, contractual arrangements, performance management, and digitalization. New service delivery models introduce complexities beyond efficiency, impacting power dynamics and stakeholder interests. In this introductory piece, the editors introduce these issues, highlight the enduring questions from the literature informing this special issue, and introduce the 14 pieces. The editors end by reflecting on accountability’s importance through discussions of accountability for neoliberalism and performance measurement, contracting out, liberty, democracy, social equity, and human-centered public governance.

Citation

Barbera, C., Ferry, L., Hyndman, N., Liguori, M., McCandless, S., & Midgley, H. (in press). Governance and accountability in reshaping public services: Open challenges and Wicked Problems of the 21st Century. Public Administration,

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 29, 2025
Deposit Date Jul 31, 2025
Journal Public Administration
Print ISSN 0033-3298
Electronic ISSN 1467-9299
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4280507
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/loi/14679299
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and strong institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

This file is under embargo due to copyright reasons.






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