The development of public administration in the United States, including the influence of Progressive Era reforms, the New Deal, the civil rights movement, and the Reagan Revolution.
Colonial Era Public Administration: The development of public administration in the American colonies, including the influence of British administrative practices, the role of local government, and the emergence of the bureaucratic state.
Early Republic Era Public Administration: The evolution of public administration in the United States during the early years of the Republic, including the influence of classical liberalism, the legacy of the Articles of Confederation, and the role of Alexander Hamilton in shaping the federal bureaucracy.
Jacksonian Era Public Administration: The impact of the Jacksonian era on public administration, including the emergence of the spoils system, the development of the merit-based civil service, and the expansion of democratic participation in government.
Progressive Era Public Administration: The reform movement of the Progressive Era and its impact on public administration, including the introduction of scientific management principles, the creation of the civil service commission, and the influence of reformers such as Woodrow Wilson and Frederick Taylor.
New Deal Public Administration: The impact of the New Deal on public administration, including the creation of numerous federal agencies, the development of administrative procedures for implementing government programs, and the influence of key figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Hopkins.
Post-World War II Public Administration: The evolution of public administration in the United States after World War II, including the emergence of the administrative state, the introduction of management techniques from the private sector, and the influence of figures such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Robert McNamara.
Contemporary Public Administration: The current state of public administration in the United States, including challenges such as budget constraints, political polarization, and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
The classical approach: Was the first approach to public administration, which emphasized the separation of politics and administration, a hierarchical organizational structure, and a focus on efficiency and effectiveness in managing government operations. It was derived from the principles of classical management theory.
Scientific management: Was proposed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, which advocated for the application of scientific methods in the management of government operations. The goal was to eliminate waste, reduce costs and increase productivity.
Administrative management: Was developed in the 1930s, which emphasized the role of the administrative structure in shaping public policy. It focused on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling government functions.
New Public Administration: Emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, which sought to address the criticisms and limitations of the classical and administrative approach. It embraced the principles of social equity, responsiveness, and citizen participation in the public policymaking process.
New Public Management: Emerged in the 1980s, which emphasized the concept of market-oriented practices in the public sector. It believed that public organizations should be managed like private companies, with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
Post-modern public administration: Emerged in the 1990s, which challenged the traditional approaches to public administration. It emphasized the importance of cultural diversity, flexibility, and adaptability in managing government operations.