This article focuses on the steering of higher education systems in the light of political science and public management approaches. It first recalls that an important part of the existing literature on higher education is focused on public policies in terms of reforms and decision-making, while the other part is dedicated to discovering and…

Indigenous education in Australia has been the subject of ongoing policy focus and repeated official inquiry as the nation grapples with trying to achieve equity for these students. Perspectives from recent developments in the USA and Canada highlight the similarity of challenges. The article employs a multidisciplinary approach to social theory…

Outlines an alternative theory of knowledge based on positive, interpretive, and critical modes of research. Also shows how these modes of research are based in administrative experience and are related to recent developments in the postempiricist philosophy of science. (Author/CT)

This study compares 1981-83 research findings on public sector mentoring with a 1979 study on private sector executives conducted by Gerald Roche. Similarities and differences between mentoring in the public and private sectors are analyzed. (Author/CT)

Examines recent history of British public administration from the 1970s era of eclecticism, organizational theory, and policy analysis through the 1980s New Right Ideology and emphasis on rational choice to the 1990s, when the Economic and Social Research Council is investing significant research funds in administration. (SK)

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)