DRIVERS OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISE REFORMS IN PAKISTAN: THE PERSPECCTIVE OF NEW INSTITUTIONALISM

Abstract

This paper aims at explaining the drivers of various reform models in the public enterprise sector in Pakistan. Secondary data is collected from articles, ordinances, companies‟ websites, and policy documents. The study enlightens that PE reforms in Pakistan are associated with the role of the state under various global reform models including development administration, new public management (NPM), and post NPM reforms. The development administration reforms were greatly influenced by mimetic factors to copy the best prevailing model that could boost the economy. Whereas, the drivers of new public management reforms were majorly coercive where international donor agencies played an influential role in policy shift towards denationalization and privatization of public enterprises. Mimetic derivers also influenced the governance reforms where best models of governance mechanism (such as control, audits, and accountability) were initiated to reinvent the public enterprises so that they look modern and up-to-date. These reforms are explained in light of new institutionalism.