Debate: A relational agenda for changing public administration research and practice

Relational theory and practice in public administration have increased in critical mass. We note the growth of relational practice across fields (Lamph et al., 2023), a widespread narrative of relational public service reform (Wilson et al., 2024), and a scholarly relational turn (Bartels & Turnbull, 2020). In their recent article, Wilson et al. (2024) offer a helpful sense of direction towards relational reform and research. They argue the time is ripe for collectively pursuing a relational alternative to the inexorable dominance of New Public Management. What is still missing is a clear-cut agenda that enables conceptual integration and concerted action. While Wilson et al. (2024) usefully appraise relationships, measurement and co-production, more comprehensive and inclusive guidance is needed for academics and practitioners to learn how governance systems are, and can be, organized on a relational basis. Our goal in this article is to outline a relational agenda by identifying five leverage points for transformative change.