Two models for public administration field experience programs are outlined, both designed to connect management theory to practice through observation and peer interaction. In the first, student teams observe and report daily operations of an organization; in the second, teams observe, report, and also serve as organizational consultants. Both…

Reviews arguments in favor of administrative use of public opinion information; demonstrates insights to be gained from examination of poll data; and considers methodological weaknesses of such data and strategies to counter them. (JOW)

In public administration courses, administrative theory is usually taught from a managerial perspective--raising questions about organizations from the perspective of the public manager. This perspective is incomplete and needs to be supplemented with a political perspective--asking questions from the viewpoint of the polity as a whole. (RM)

The analyses reported are based on a computerized set of survey research data from an archived database containing responses of 1,456 state public administrators in Kentucky to a mail survey conducted in 1987-1989. Using this data, researchers analyzed attitudes toward public administration among these public administrators, the professional role…

A brief description of three urban simulation models. (AK)

Describes a public administration course specifically designed for adults. Course competencies are defined and instructional materials are discussed. (RM)

Examines whether decision strategies used in personnel management are related to decision context, why there is congruence between decision strategy and context for some functions as opposed to others, and the implications of congruence/incongruence for an understanding of the relationship between merit and politics. (Author/IRT)

Both the United States and other countries would have benefitted from an analysis of public administration from a comparative perspective. Understanding the constraints and dynamics of politics and administration in each nation is necessary for the development of public administration. (JOW)

Suggests that much can be learned by applying a simple framework based upon public finance principles such as efficiency and equal justice or horizontal equity. Implies that most educational spending is "expensed" for tax purposes, the values of subsidies are not measured, and little thought is given to return on investment. (JOW)

Traditional management training often fails to transfer to work. Returns on training investment may be improved through a self-directed learning model that bolsters and sustains emotional intelligence, resulting in leaders who behave more intuitively and empathically. (SK)

Discusses the evolution of public involvement in public management. Explains the theory that the degree of group involvement desirable in making a decision depends on the need for quality and acceptability in the eventual decision. (Author/JOW)

A survey of public administration masters programs indicates an agreement on the substance of the program. There is no evidence that accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration leads to a standardized curriculum. Pressures support more expanded curricula, with more attention given to ethics, computer…

This study examines the relationship between the type of college degree, level of college degree, and superiors' perceptions of managers' attributes and their work performance in some management areas. No significant relationship has been found between managers' college education and their performance at work. Implications of these findings for…

Argues that the development of thinking about the administrative state needs to be understood in terms of "bureau men" interested in making administrative methods more efficient and of "settlement women" who sought and won the expansion of governmental responsibility for social ills. Suggests that reconstructed history may raise awareness of the…