The entry of 'good governance' fundamentally transformed the discipline of Public Administration (PA) by compelling it to shed its traditional 'statist character.' Historically, PA was largely state-centric, focusing almost exclusively on the government as the primary, if not sole, actor in public service delivery and policy-making. This statist view emphasized hierarchical control, internal governmental processes, and the state's monopolistic role in providing public goods.

Good governance, promoted by international organizations and driven by a recognition of state failures and the need for more effective development, introduced a broader, more inclusive perspective. Its core principles—participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus orientation, equity, effectiveness, and accountability—necessitated a re-evaluation of PA's scope.

This shift meant PA moved beyond merely studying government structures to examining the complex interactions among the state, civil society organizations, and the private sector. It embraced a multi-actor approach, recognizing that effective public action often requires collaborative networks and partnerships. The focus expanded from internal governmental efficiency to external outcomes and the relationship between government and society. Citizens were no longer seen as passive recipients but as active participants whose engagement was crucial for legitimacy and effectiveness. Furthermore, good governance encouraged the incorporation of market mechanisms and private sector involvement in public service provision, blurring the lines between public and private domains. Consequently, PA evolved from a narrow, state-bound discipline into a broader field concerned with the effective, legitimate, and inclusive steering of society by a multitude of actors, thereby decisively shedding its statist character.