Theory in Public Administration
Why do we need theory in Public Administration? Discuss what theory is and how and why we use it. Identify at least 2 theorists and their theoretical perspective. Comment on what they have to say. Do you agree or disagree and why.
Discuss the role on public administration in the American context and contrast it to the role of public administration in another country of your choice. What similarities and differences can you identify. Do you believe other countries’ administrative systems are becoming “Americanized” as a result og globalization? Why or why not?
How do you define home?
Sample Solution
Public administration is the study of how governments work and how they can be made more effective. It is a complex and challenging field, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving its problems. This is where theory comes in.
Theory is a set of concepts and ideas that help us to understand the world around us. It provides a framework for making sense of complex phenomena and for developing solutions to problems. In public administration, theory can be used to:
- Explain how public organizations work
- Identify the factors that influence public policy
- Develop strategies for improving public management
- Evaluate the effectiveness of public programs
What is theory and how and why do we use it?
Theory is a systematic explanation of a phenomenon. It is a set of interrelated concepts that help us to understand how something works. Theories can be used to explain, predict, and control phenomena.
We use theory in public administration for a number of reasons. First, theory can help us to understand the complex world of public organizations. By understanding the underlying principles of how public organizations work, we can better design and manage them.
Second, theory can help us to identify the factors that influence public policy. By understanding the factors that shape public policy, we can better develop and implement policies that are effective and efficient.
Third, theory can help us to develop strategies for improving public management. By understanding the best practices of public management, we can develop strategies for improving the performance of public organizations.
Fourth, theory can help us to evaluate the effectiveness of public programs. By understanding the criteria for evaluating public programs, we can better assess their impact and make necessary adjustments.
Identify at least 2 theorists and their theoretical perspective.
There are many different theories of public administration, but some of the most influential include:
- Weberian theory is based on the work of Max Weber, a German sociologist. Weber argued that public organizations should be structured in a bureaucratic way, with clear lines of authority and responsibility.
- New Public Management is a theory that emerged in the 1980s. It is based on the idea that public organizations should be run more like businesses. This means that they should be more focused on efficiency and effectiveness, and they should use market-based mechanisms to deliver services.
- Institutional theory is a theory that emphasizes the role of institutions in shaping behavior. Institutions are the rules, norms, and values that guide our interactions. In public administration, institutional theory can be used to understand how institutions influence the behavior of public organizations and the people who work in them.
- Political economy theory is a theory that analyzes the interaction between politics and economics. It can be used to understand how political forces shape public policy, and how economic forces shape the performance of public organizations.
Comment on what they have to say. Do you agree or disagree and why?
I agree with the main points of Weberian theory, New Public Management, institutional theory, and political economy theory. I believe that these theories provide valuable insights into the workings of public organizations and the factors that influence public policy.
However, I also believe that these theories are not perfect. They each have their own limitations, and they do not always provide complete or accurate explanations of the world. It is important to use multiple theories and to be critical of their assumptions.
Overall, I believe that theory is an essential tool for public administration. It can help us to understand the complex world of public organizations, and it can help us to develop better strategies for improving public management and public policy.