From a theoretical perspective, the New Public Service
offers an important and viable alternative to both the traditional and the now-dominant managerialist models. It is
an alternative that has been built on the basis of theoretical
explorations and practical innovations. The result is a normative model, comparable to other such models. While
debates among theorists will continue, and administrative
practitioners will test and explore new possibilities, the
commitments that emerge will have significant implications for practice. The actions that public administrators
take will differ markedly depending on the types of assumptions and principles upon which those actions are
based. If we assume the responsibility of government is to
facilitate individual self-interest, we will take one set of
actions. If, on the other hand, we assume the responsibility of government is to promote citizenship, public discourse, and the public interest, we will take an entirely
different set of actions.