New Book Explores Post-Bureaucratic Era in Public Administration

Rabat, Morocco — A new book titled 'Beyond Bureaucracy: An Essay on the Transformation Process' by researcher Sfiwan Gharzan has been released, offering an analysis of the evolution of public administration and the challenges of post-bureaucratic governance.

The book, published by the 'Al-Wasit' Foundation and introduced by university professor Abd Al-Hafiz Adminu, traces the foundational role of the bureaucratic model in building modern states through institutional work and ensuring the continuity of public services. It argues that while the bureaucratic model initially facilitated state-building, it later became a source of stagnation, with rigidity, isolated specialization, and hierarchical delays impeding decision-making and resource distribution.

Gharzan highlights the shift towards decentralization and participatory governance as a response to these challenges. This shift has transformed citizens into partners with the right to challenge decisions, hold authorities accountable, and participate in policy-making. The book also examines the adoption of new public management practices from the private sector, which focus on results but may lead to excessive quantitative evaluation, shifting costs to citizens, and undermining equality and public interest.

The book also discusses the digital transition and artificial intelligence, noting that automating procedures without simplifying complexity can recreate bureaucracy in digital form. It warns that this shift can transfer decision-making power to software designers and algorithms, imposing additional functional burdens on citizens. Gharzan emphasizes the necessity of human review and fairness to accommodate individual cases that automated systems may struggle to handle.

The book concludes by addressing the current administrative dilemma: the gap between the rapid pace of technological change, legal stability requirements, and societal expectations. It asserts that the future of public administration lies in its ability to adapt continuously and balance modern tools with the human dimension of citizen service.

Context: This book contributes to ongoing debates about public administration reform, highlighting the complexities and challenges of transitioning to post-bureaucratic governance in the digital age.