The problems of reconciling public service and civic humanism

Article Abstract:

David K. Hart is justified in calling for a return to civic humanism in the realm of public service. However, there are four major roadblocks to a reintegration of civic humanism. One is that the presence and acceptance of an elitist society dictates the operation and function of civic humanism. Another obstacle lies in the determination of the value system that will guide action. The other problems, which are both linked to accountability, relate to identifying who has responsibility for values or virtue, and providing incentives and rewards.

Humanism, Civics

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Administration as ritual: comforting or confounding?

Article Abstract:

Charles T. Goodsell argues that administration can be conceptualized as ritualism, providing an avenue for referring to administrative habits as rituals that foster social continuity. Unfortunately, he does not offer sufficient explanation as to how and why rituals are crucial to the understanding of administration. Failing to give an explicit purpose for relating administration to rituals, Goodsell only fortifies the notion that bureaucracies are nothing but insignificant tasks that undermine efficiency in government.

Bureaucracy, Ritualism

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Looking outside more, inward less: expanding our attention in the search

Article Abstract:

The conference known as Minnowbrook I looked exclusively at the mission of public administration. To signal a transition in the field of public administration, Minnowbrook II should focus inward less and take into consideration the external environment of the field. The management of interconnectedness in a humane and ethical manner in the outside environment is the most formidable challenge that public administrators need to face in the future.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Policy sciences

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