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…

A study of 1,243 executive directors of public authorities shows that many are career people with diverse educational backgrounds and skills similar to public administration professionals. Results suggest that the strong sense of professional identity among city managers may be a model for public authority managers to consider. (Author)

Long-term trends in the qualities of state administrative leadership from the 1960s to the 1990s indicate that most state agencies are headed by competent professionals who are embedded in combinations of horizontal and vertical relationships that have evolved over several decades, constituting a microlevel revolution in state administrative…

A survey of 47 public-administration doctoral programs identified ways they can train more productive researchers. Important factors are engaging students in structured research experiences, providing students with adequate financial support, and employing productive faculty members. (JOW)

Critically examines the curricular elements of nonprofit management degree programs in colleges of business, public administration, and social work. Looks at challenges facing managers of nonprofit organizations and discusses which curriculum is best for students of nonprofit management. Discusses implications for the future of nonprofit…

Looks at criticisms of public administration research: (1) knowledge in the field is not being accumulated, and (2) the research has low quality. Proposes meta-analysis as a solution to the first problem. Suggests that quality judgments should be based on knowledge cumulation, which acknowledges the value of all research methods. (Contains 48…