Behavioral Public Administration in the Public Sector: A Systematic Review

This article presents a systematic literature review synthesis of 5-year research on Behavioral Public Administration (BPA) in the public sector contexts. Based on an analysis of 439 studies, significant antecedents, outcomes, and mediating and moderating mechanisms were identified. The findings revealed that BPA incorporates psychological constructs to comprehend decision-making processes within the public sector. Public Service Motivation emerged as the most frequently examined construct, followed by cognitive biases and nudges that significantly impact policy compliance and ethical behavior. Methodologically, the research was predominantly comprised of case studies and survey experiments. Theoretically, BPA bridges behavioral psychology and institutional theory but lacks sufficient integration of cultural frameworks. Future research should focus on contexts within the Global South, strengthening the association of BPA and public administration frameworks such as administrative burden, street-level bureaucracy, and public value. It should also expand experimental and mixed-method designs to explore the identity-related factors (e.g. gender and ethnicity) in bureaucratic behavior, adjusting to socio-political contexts and regional governance priorities. Culturally sensitive investigations to inform policy application and ensure relevance to diverse institutional settings.