The Neo-Weberian State paradigm in the water and sewage sector in Poland

Objectives: The main objective of this article is to investigate the current stage of the public management paradigm in the area of the water and sewage sector in Poland. Research Design Methods: A thorough examination of the current stage of research of the post-NewPublic Management concepts is followed by empirical analysis of public management paradigms presentin the water and sewage sector in Poland. The research hypothesis focuses on a shift from the NPM modeltowards other paradigms closer to Neo-Weberian State or a hybrid. Analysis of statistical data is supported by additional arguments related to recent publications and legal changes in the sector. Contribution/Value Added: This article is one of the first analyses of the applications of post-NPM paradigmsin the water and sewage sector in Poland. A special emphasis is put on the discussion of NWS elements in the paradigm shift taking place in this sector. Implications/Recommendations: The results of the research conducted prove that the NPM model is stillin place in the water and sewage sector in Poland, but gradually, in particular as a result of recent changesto legislation and the introduction of more centralised procedures, the NPM model is being supplementedby new elements that are clearly of a NWS origin. While it is visible that these paradigms co-exist at this point, it is necessary to continue research and thorough observations of the sector to investigate the future development of public management in this area.Article Classification: Research articleKeywords: New Public Management, Neo-Weberian State, Public Governance, post-NPM paradigms, water and sewage sectorJEL Classification: H400, H410