Discusses the gap between academic research and practice in public administration and argues that it can be traced to conflicts such as theoretical vs. pragmatic knowledge, data-supported vs. logic-driven information, scientific method vs. case studies, academic vs. practitioner journals, and tenure vs. organizational effectiveness. Explores…

Examines the nature of empirical research in six public administration-related journals by focusing on the purpose of published research, research designs, and statistical techniques. Suggests that a cumulative knowledge base is not being developed by public administration scholars. (Author/JOW)

Describes the past and present and projects the future of the relationship between theory and practice for normative and descriptive budget theory. Considers the present and future of normative theory gloomy because budgeting has changed and traditional reform ideas have outlived their usefulness. States that descriptive theory has improved and…

The "quiet crisis" in federal service is due to absence of dominant political condition or consensus regarding model on which public administration should be based. Extensive changes will bring about fundamental alterations in federal service even in absence of agreement on whether and how to rebuild. The public administration community can play a…

In 1968 a theory of social equity was developed and put forward as the "third pillar" for public administration, with the same status as economy and efficiency as values or principles to which public administration should adhere. Research on public administration finds that bureaucratic decision rules and the processes of policy…

Results of a study of computing in 46 cities showed that more attention needs to be given to computer literacy and applications in public management education programs. This article discusses the level of training in computers and information systems that needs to be offered and the implications for coursework and faculty. (JOW)

Presents a framework for analyzing key training resources during times of reduced funding. Recommends proactive approaches to assist public sector trainers with increasing efficiency during economic downturns. (SK)

Performance-oriented program management is needed at all levels of government. Despite concerns about outcome versus impact, validity, reliability, cost, and standards, monitoring of public agency program quality and outcomes is feasible and essential for accountability. (SK)

Argues that public management researchers should emulate the scientific approaches of physicists and other scientists. Shows that the creative use of language and stories underlies many of the great advances in physics and engineering and that adoption of certain concepts is related to their practicality. (Author/JOW)

Argues that public administration assumes an impoverished definition of "profession" and has neglected important dimensions of the practice that need examination in a more constructive debate. Illuminates the roles that public administrators have played and must play if they are to govern effectively and professionally. (Author)

Examines the publication records of eight classes of doctorate recipients in public administration and concludes that doctoral education and research is making a minimal contribution to knowledge and theory development in the field. (Author)

A case study of the New York City school custodial system indicates that, in spite of known scandals since the 1920s, it has ignored decades of regulations, reorganizations, and layers of oversight. A deviant culture and an infrastructure enmeshed in abusive policies will resist controls. True reform requires overhauling management, eliminating…

The training received by workers depends predominantly on the organisational choices and funds allocated by businesses. It is therefore justifiable to ask whether public policy should either endorse the spontaneous distribution of training or take measures to correct it. This paper analyses the motivations and limitations of public intervention,…

The shift to mission-based assessment for accreditation of public administration education programs is discussed from two perspectives: that of the chair of the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA), and that of a faculty member with experience in preparing for, undergoing, and responding to COPRA concerns during an accreditation…

This paper presents preliminary findings of an ongoing research survey of 386 senior local and 59 central public administration practitioners in Britain, and used a modified survey instrument initially used at Kentucky State and Indiana State Universities. After setting out some of the similarities and differences between public administration…