This paper addresses readings that discuss modern theories of Public Administration as lenses through which traditional approaches can be both transformed and improved. The authors apply the concepts of social equity, feminist theory, and identifying and separating different approaches. I found the readings to be very appropriate to my goal of marrying the two fields of Social Work and Public Administration with an emphasis on improving life for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. The two fields have strong ethical commitment and compassion (MPA Program Teaching Mission) and the readings addressed many of the NASPAA Core Competencies, especially “to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry” and “to articulate and apply a public service perspective.”
Toward a New Public Administration, H. George Frederickson
Frederickson examines the classic application of Public Administration, with its emphasis on efficiency, economy, political neutrality, and executive management. He then posits that social equity has become core to the “New Public Administration.” This new approach encompasses taking into consideration the structures and systems that have inhibited social inequality and continually seek change to improve quality of life for all people.
He suggests four processes that work within Public Administration, which can be studied for understanding and to make improvements to current and future systems. The Distributive Process addresses the distribution of goods and services, puts in place tools to assess and measure that distribution, and address inequities and how they are justified. The Integrative Process focuses on the hierarchical structure and seeks to increase involvement of lower levels of organization and less powerful minority groups through less authoritarian structure. The Boundary-Exchange Process undertakes the relationship between the organization and its clients, seeking higher client involvement, increased communication, and giving voice to minority groups, employment of disadvantaged or deprived minority groups (as was discussed last class with representation on the Salt Lake school board), among others. The Socioemotional Process establishes procedures and training that overcome the tendency to avoid, close off or fight risks and conflict, rather seeking to lean into understanding through sensitivity training, responsibility taking and open dialogue.
Public Administration Theory and the Separation of Powers, David H. Rosenbloom
Rosenbloom examines the managerial, political and legal approaches to Public Administration and discusses how they mirror the separation of powers as laid out in the Constitution. The Managerial/Executive approach takes it’s thought from Woodrow Wilson and Leonard White with an emphasis on businesslike, efficient, effective and economic management of governance. The focus is on input vs output, with an emphasis on specialized, hierarchical, merit-based and politically neutral administration. Individuals are seen as depersonalized cases, which, if they don’t meet specific qualifications, must me rejected from services.
The Political/Legislative approach suspects efficiency and prefers the system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. It works through political representativeness (advisory committees), responsiveness (citizen participation) and accountability (Sunshine provisions like the Freedom of Information Act). It seeks more representation from different groups, i.e., political, economic and social, and the individual is seen as part of the group or collective – the one speaks for all.
The Legal/Judiciary approach, which I was drawn to as a social worker, seeks to remedy violations of individual rights and safeguard them. Focus is put on the competence of authorities to execute the law, defines limits of authority, procedures, protections, rights and liberties. Hearing examiners work outside and separate from the administrative hierarchy to prevent improper influence or corruption, and individuals are seen as unique, with individual circumstances taken into consideration.
While I could see that I was drawn toward ideas or even one particular approach, Rosenbloom challenges the reader to step back and regard the validity and usefulness of each approach, especially where they may more apply to specific organizations. Which means that in my field of social work and social justice, the legal approach may be the most appropriate, but I should not discount the utility and value of incorporating the others.
Toward a Feminist Perspective in Public Administration Theory, Camilla Stivers
Stivers discusses a brief history of feminist theory, then suggests that viewing Public Administration through the lens of feminist theory can improve – not through revolution, but by broadening perspectives and looking at the “whole story.” She examines classic concepts through the lens of feminism. Neutrality is traditionally interested in respecting the rights of autonomous people, which has excluded women and minority groups. She also discusses the traditionally masculine concept of heroism, and suggests that compassion, nurturance, sustaining life and fighting for the freedom of others are also heroic – more so than glory-seeking and fame. Administrative Discretion and the Administrative State also have the lens applied to them with a focus on creating collaboration and engaging in the reality of life to create solutions.
Applied feminist theory suggests that there is an incompleteness of understanding because we all look through the world in different ways and diversity can create collaboration, creative change and improvement of life for all people.
All three readings build on existing core values but add an element of humanity that encompasses those who have traditionally not had a voice. The authors spoke to intersectionality and the interconnectedness of the human family.