New Public Management & Public Administration

Based on literature review, this article discusses the basic contents of new public management. Viewed from theoretical perspective, new public management contains seven principles; while viewed from practical perspective, it has five models. This article further explores the relationship between new public management and public administration. It argues that new public management represents the Sigma value which emphasizes efficiency in public administration, synthesizes the Wilsonian and Jeffersonian legacies in public administration, and is the newest paradigmatic shift as well in public administration. This article recognizes two contributions of new public management: a new governance mode and a new accountability system. The development of public administration, therefore, must integrate these two positive contributions.