THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESEARCH METHOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT USE IN LOCAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION INSTITUTIONS. CASE STUDY – BIHOR COUNTY

This paper reflects the progress undertaken in the implementation of a research project regarding the application of New Public Management paradigm at local public administration institutions in Bihor County. The study was initiated within a partnership between faculties of economics from Oradea and Debrecen and aimed at the development and testing of a common research Methodology which provides relevant insight on the processes, challenges and opportunities for local administrations in their concrete actions. Through the implementation of this research several problems were encountered, problems that are dealt within in this paper where we also formulate solutions in order to ensure a general approach that can be applied in all institutions from Romania. Some of these problems are somewhat general and reflect the need to enlarge the research team providing an interdisciplinary approach. Other aspects are more practical such as the administration of questionnaires, issues of sampling or the actual content of research instruments. We consider that such an approach provides significant insight in the administration of public affairs at local level, which can help in understanding the public sector in Romania and consequently ground a comprehensive frame for the national policies. The problems of the administrative system in Romania have different sources, nevertheless a down-to-top systematic analysis sustain the implementation of concrete solutions and a contextual implementation of best practices. We hope that our endeavor will stimulate debate in the academic field and engagement from the public actors in order to strengthen the public management system in our country.