The Logic of Isomorphism in Public Administration: An Institutional Perspective on Good Governance Reforms
Abstract
This study examines why good governance reforms that have become widespread in public administration tend to emerge in largely similar forms across different countries and contexts, from the perspective of institutional isomorphism. The main objective of the study is to analyze whether good governance reforms are adopted primarily to enhance technical efficiency or rather to generate legitimacy. The research employs DiMaggio and Powell’s mechanisms of coercive, mimetic, and normative isomorphism as its analytical framework. Methodologically, a comparative qualitative research design is adopted. Policy documents and official reports on good governance reforms in European Union member states and candidate countries are analyzed through document analysis. The findings reveal that good governance reforms have largely diffused through coercive and normative isomorphic mechanisms, and that despite a high degree of similarity in reform content, there are significant differences in implementation outcomes. The study argues that, rather than leading to genuine transformation in public administration, good governance reforms often function as instruments of symbolic conformity and legitimacy production.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
Thanks
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Public Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
May 31, 2026
Submission Date
February 20, 2026
Acceptance Date
April 5, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 1