Theory of agency applied to the public sector: a bibliometric research and research agenda

Abstract

This article presents a bibliometric study on the application of agency theory in the public sector. Although it was initially conceived from studies carried out in the private sector, the agency theory can be applied to the domain of public administration, since in this space there are different relations between agent and principal and principal in relation to the principal. Studies related to the theory of agency in Public Administration can help to better understand these conflicts, which often end up resulting in deviations or misuse of public money. This study was developed through a quantitative research of a bibliometric nature. The first publications occurred in the late 1990s, and in recent years, especially since 2013, there has been an increase in the number of publications, a number that represents approximately half of the articles found. In relation to the gaps presented by the researched articles, there are two major blocks: one in relation to the analysis of political issues and the other related to the development of theory for the public sector. The results of this article point to the need for studies focused on the theme, especially in the development of research aimed at understanding the role that different types of agents have in public agencies, thus avoiding opportunistic or dishonest behaviors.