Why do we need 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?
Globalization and immigration have made the world both a much smaller place and a much larger place. Low-cost travel and governments supportive of immigration have made the world a smaller place and made it easier for cross border business as well as reduced barriers for immigrants and refugees to move from their home country to other places for new and potentially better opportunities. Technological advances and digital communication have made it much easier for those newcomers to remain connected to their homeland thus potentially crating barriers to full integration and assimilation into their new homeland. Ethnic, political, and religious based violence along with crises such as the Covid 19 pandemic have, among some, instilled fear and potentially hatred of those that look different or talk different.
Watch the included video clip. For the purposes of this discussion think of what they describe as ‘the burn’ as a much more deadly form of Covid-19. Consider the message of the clip as a metaphor about globalization, our world today and a debate about our growing interconnectedness within and between our communities and public administrators. Discuss this impact and answer the question: How do you define home? Issues to consider include fear and hatred, communion and sharing, growing interconnectedness, science, and duty to home. What defines your home today and why? Has your home changed as a result of these factors?
Sample Solution
Public administration is the study of how governments work. It is a complex and multifaceted field, and there is no one right way to do it. Theories in public administration help us to understand the different aspects of government and how they work together. They also help us to develop better policies and practices.
There are many different theories in public administration, each with its own perspective on how government should work. Some of the most common theories include:
- Weberian bureaucracy: This theory, developed by Max Weber, argues that the best way to organize government is through a hierarchical bureaucracy. Bureaucracies are characterized by their rules, regulations, and procedures, which are designed to ensure efficiency and fairness.
- New Public Management: This theory, which emerged in the 1980s, argues that government should be run more like a business. This means that governments should focus on efficiency and results, and they should use market-based mechanisms to deliver services.
- Postmodern public administration: This theory, which emerged in the 1990s, argues that there is no one right way to organize government. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
- Max Weber: Weber was a German sociologist who developed the theory of bureaucracy. He argued that bureaucracies are the most efficient and rational way to organize large organizations. Weber's theory has been influential in the field of public administration, and it is still used today to understand how governments work.
- Frederick Taylor: Taylor was an American engineer who developed the theory of scientific management. He argued that the best way to improve efficiency in the workplace is to break down tasks into their smallest components and then find the most efficient way to perform them. Taylor's theory has also been influential in the field of public administration, and it is still used today to improve the efficiency of government operations.