Myths, instrumental reality, or cultural change? Modern service-oriented government reforms in China

This article provides a greater understanding of the service-oriented government (SOG) reforms that China carried out at the central level in 2008, 2013, and 2018. These reforms involved two common post-NPM structural measures – namely, super-ministries and cross-ministerial networks or leading groups. Using a mythical, an instrumental, and a cultural perspective, this article examines how SOG reforms were carried out and enquires into the relevance of “Chinese characteristics.” Our analysis shows that China’s SOG reforms represent quite a complex and hybrid pattern with a dual orientation of service value and coordination action. The CPC’s leadership of government reform and major work in all areas are fundamental characteristics of China’s socialist administrative system.