Discussion on new public management in universities: a systematic literature review

This paper reviews existing research on how universities have institutionalized new public management (NPM) principles and the effects they produced. The findings are interpreted using the main concepts of neo-institutional sociology (NIS), namely, isomorphism, conformity, and institutional logics. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic literature review of high-ranking journals. Hood's, C. (1991. “A Public Management for All Seasons?” Public Administration 69 (1): 3–19) categorization of NPM doctrines serves as the research framework for operationalizing universities’ responses to NPM reforms; this study adapts the framework to the university context. The results show a significant level of homogeneity in reform implementation, with similar effects across different national contexts. These findings suggest that universities primarily adapt to common reform patterns to gain legitimacy rather than improve technical efficiency. This paper extends Hood’s framework to universities and provides an operational view of NPM institutionalization grounded in observable university-specific practices. Furthermore, it contributes to NIS theory by explaining how different isomorphic mechanisms institutionalize NPM in universities. Finally, it provides policymakers and university managers with practical insights for designing effective interventions.