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Strategic Management Research in the Public Sector: Insights from A Bibliometric Mapping

Author

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  • Adina – Liliana PRIOTEASA

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on strategic management in public organizations, covering the period 1982–2025 based on 98 documents retrieved from the Scopus database. Using Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny, the analysis integrates performance evaluation and knowledge mapping techniques, including co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence networks, and thematic mapping. Findings reveal a significant growth in scientific production after 2010, peaking in 2017, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden as the most prolific contributors. Moore's (1995) seminal work anchors the intellectual structure of the field, while Elbanna emerges as the most influential author in collaborative networks. Thematic analysis identifies strategy, public management, planning, and balanced scorecard as dominant motor themes, whereas strategic planning and public services represent emerging research directions. This study contributes to the literature by providing a systematic bibliometric mapping of strategic management research in public organizations, offering valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners in the field.

Suggested Citation

  • Adina – Liliana PRIOTEASA, 2026. "Strategic Management Research in the Public Sector: Insights from A Bibliometric Mapping," Management Research and Practice, Research Centre in Public Administration and Public Services, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 18(2), pages 66-82, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:rom:mrpase:v:18:y:2026:i:2:p:66-82
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    1. João José M. Ferreira & Cristina I. Fernandes & Vanessa Ratten, 2016. "A co-citation bibliometric analysis of strategic management research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 109(1), pages 1-32, October.
    2. David J. Teece & Gary Pisano & Amy Shuen, 1997. "Dynamic capabilities and strategic management," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(7), pages 509-533, August.
    3. Jesper Rosenberg Hansen & Ewan Ferlie, 2016. "Applying Strategic Management Theories in Public Sector Organizations: Developing a typology," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(1), pages 1-19, January.
    4. Bert George & Sebastian Desmidt & Julie De Moyer, 2016. "Strategic decision quality in Flemish municipalities," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(5), pages 317-324, July.
    5. John M. Bryson & Lauren Hamilton Edwards & David M. Van Slyke, 2018. "Getting strategic about strategic planning research," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(3), pages 317-339, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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