Globalization, Government Reform and the Paradigm Shift of Administrative Law

This paper examines a triangular relationship between globalization, government reforms and administrative law. It argues that globalization does appear to be a key driving force for recent government reforms that took place in the many developed and developing countries. These reforms included organizational, operational and process reforms as well as new ways in human resources managements. The author argues that a shift in the paradigm of administrative law is required to successfully confront these challenges that globalization has brought to us. Administrative law must transform its focus from red light to green light, from restriction to empowerment, from accountability to democracy, and from formality to flexibility. More importantly, this paper contends that current government reforms have not been comprehensive in their responses. Not only domestic government reforms but also transnational collaborations are in great need. The rise of transnational networks in global regulatory regimes would give birth to a global discursive space where multi-layered actors participate and collaborate with one another. This multitude would certainly make changes to both administrative law and the governance.