公共选择还是利益分析——两种公共管理研究途径的比较

Public Selection or Benefit Analysis? A Comparison of Two Approaches to Public Management

对公共选择理论和利益分析说这两种公共管理理论进行比较可以发现,这两种理论的不同更多地产生于制度文化的差异,吸收这两种理论的精华是公共管理理论的发展方向。从人性假设上进行比较,这两种理论实质上都不否认人有两面性,但公共选择理论在分析上直接采用经济人的分析方法显得更加现实,而利益分析说采用比较利益人的分析法就显得更为全面。在如何看待公共利益问题上,两种理论出发点不同,公共选择理论认为其无,利益分析说认为其有,这就提供了不同的思维视角,使我们对公共利益有了更为深刻的认识。在如何看待政府利益问题上,因为这两种理论分析的情境不同而产生了差别。吸收这两种理论的共同之处是公共管理研究应该努力的方向:制度建设是推进公共管理改革的重中之重;应当合理界定政府的边界,强化政府的积极作用;加强道德的力量促进公共管理,而不是单一的推进制度建设。

A comparison of the two approaches to public management, namely, Public Selection Theory and Benefit Analysis Theory, suggests that their differences have to a large extent resulted from their different systems and cultures, and preserving the essence of the two theories is the developing trend of public management theory. From the perspective of human nature comparison, either denies the dual character of man, but the methodology adopted in Public Selection Theory that straightforwardly analyzes economic men, appears more practical while that in Benefit Analysis Theory by comparing benefit men is comparatively more comprehensive. And for public benefit, each has its own point of departure： the former has a negative opinion of it, but the latter is positive. These two provide alternative perspectives, which better our understanding of public benefits. In regard to government benefit, they vary for their different analytical contexts. What public management should emphasize, then, is to maintain their shared part： system construction plays a key role in pushing forward the reform in public management. In fact, rational delimitation of the government boundary should be observed so as to promote the active role of the government; and moral strength, rather than system construction alone, should be enhanced to facilitate public management.