Review of Public Administration and Management

Globalization and Its Impact on Public Administration

Takashi Morimoto^* Department of International Affairs University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
^*Correspondence: Takashi Morimoto, Department of International Affairs University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Email:

Received: 02-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. RPAM-25-29755; Editor assigned: 04-Jun-2025, Pre QC No. RPAM-25-29755; Reviewed: 17-Jun-2025, QC No. RPAM-25-29755; Revised: 21-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. RPAM-25-29755; Published: 28-Jun-2025, DOI: 10.35248/2315-7844.25.13.491

Description

Bureaucracy has therefore evolved into one where national administrations operate within a dense network of global interdependencies. Globalization influences public administration in several interconnected ways. Economically, governments must align policies with international trade regimes, financial institutions and global investment flows. Administrators are tasked with negotiating trade agreements, managing foreign investments and ensuring compliance with international economic standards. Politically, states engage with global organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization, requiring administrators to acquire diplomatic and negotiation skills in addition to traditional bureaucratic competencies. Socially, globalization facilitates migration, cultural exchange and knowledge transfer, all of which necessitate adaptive public services that address increasingly diverse populations.

One of the most visible effects of globalization is the diffusion of administrative practices across borders. Concepts like new public management, performance-based budgeting and e-governance have spread from one country to another, often promoted by international organizations or donor agencies. Japan, for example, has integrated managerial reforms inspired by global practices, emphasizing efficiency and customer orientation within its bureaucracy. Similarly, countries in Europe and Latin America have experimented with reforms that align with international benchmarks. While such exchanges can enhance innovation and learning, they also raise concerns about the suitability of external models in local contexts. Globalization also redefines the scope of public accountability. Administrators are no longer accountable solely to domestic citizens and political leaders but also to international stakeholders. Compliance with global treaties, adherence to international standards and participation in multinational projects expand the range of accountability obligations. This dynamic creates opportunities for cooperation but also potential tensions when international expectations conflict with domestic priorities. For instance, environmental standards promoted through global agreements may challenge domestic industries reliant on traditional energy sources. Administrators must mediate between these competing pressures, balancing global commitments with national interests.

Technology plays a pivotal role in accelerating globalization’s influence on administration. The digital revolution enables instantaneous communication across borders, reshaping administrative processes. Governments increasingly rely on digital platforms to share data, coordinate with international agencies and deliver services to citizens. Cross-border cybersecurity threats illustrate how domestic security is now linked to global vulnerabilities. Public administrators must develop expertise not only in managing digital tools but also in cooperating with global partners to maintain resilience against cyber risks. Migration provides another lens through which globalization reshapes administration. The movement of people across borders creates new challenges for healthcare, education, housing and social services. Japan, traditionally a more homogenous society, has witnessed rising numbers of foreign workers, requiring adjustments in public policies to ensure inclusion and integration. Similar trends in Europe and North America demonstrate that migration is not solely a domestic issue but part of a global pattern of labor mobility and demographic change. Public administrators thus become central actors in designing inclusive services that respect diversity while maintaining social cohesion.

Globalization also affects public finance and taxation. Capital mobility allows businesses to operate globally, sometimes exploiting regulatory loopholes to minimize tax obligations. Public administrations face the complex task of designing tax systems that remain competitive while ensuring adequate revenue for public services. International cooperation on taxation, such as the OECD’s initiatives to address base erosion and profit shifting, exemplifies the growing importance of global frameworks in shaping national administrative practices. Administrators must therefore engage not only with domestic revenue systems but also with transnational agreements that influence fiscal policy. Environmental challenges highlight the interdependence of global and domestic administration. Climate change, for example, cannot be addressed within national borders alone. Administrators play a crucial role in implementing global agreements like the Paris Accord, translating international commitments into actionable domestic policies. This process involves coordination across ministries, levels of government and partnerships with civil society. Japan’s efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure illustrate how global obligations stimulate domestic administrative reforms. At the same time, conflicts may arise when international standards impose costs on local industries, requiring delicate negotiation and adaptive policymaking.

Despite these opportunities, globalization also brings risks. Dependence on international markets can expose economies to global crises, as seen during the 2008 financial collapse and the supply chain disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Administrators must build resilience by diversifying resources and maintaining contingency plans. Additionally, globalization can exacerbate inequalities if benefits are unevenly distributed across regions or social groups. Public administrations have the responsibility to mitigate such disparities through inclusive policies that ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind in the global integration process. The cultural dimension of globalization further complicates public administration. Administrators must navigate cultural diversity both within their borders and in international interactions. Language barriers, different work cultures and varying expectations about transparency and authority influence how administrations function in multinational settings. Training programs that emphasize intercultural competence are therefore essential for equipping administrators with the skills needed to operate in diverse environments.