From New Public Management to Risk Management : A Lever for Performance

Abstract

This article is situated within the field of public management, which has evolved through several approaches, among which New Public Management occupies a prominent place. NPM has contributed to transforming public administrations by introducing principles inspired by the private sector, such as efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, results orientation, and performance. In this perspective, risk management has progressively entered the public sector as a managerial instrument that helps anticipate uncertainties, improve decision-making, and strengthen accountability. Thus, risk management can be considered one of the tools associated with NPM, contributing to the modernization of public management and the improvement of public organizations’ performance. However, the adoption of risk management does not automatically guarantee improved public performance. Its effectiveness depends on how well it is integrated into planning, management, and decision-making practices. The scientific issue therefore lies in examining its actual contribution to the modernization of public management and to the performance of public organizations.