Public Administration: An Introduction

by Marc Holzer, Richard W Schwester

Overview

Marc Holzer and Richard W. Schwester have written a fresh and highly engaging textbook for the introductory course in Public Administration. Their coverage is both comprehensive and cutting-edge, including not only all of the essential topics (organizational theory, human resource management, leadership, program evaluation and policy analysis, budgeting, and the politics of public administration), but also reflecting new realities in public administration: the importance of new technology, changes in intergovernmental relations, especially the emphasis on inter-local and shared regional resources, and public performance and accountability initiatives.

New to this edition is a dedicated chapter on big data and analytics to support decision-making and problem solving, as well as updates throughout taking stock of the Covid-19 pandemic in the context of public administration, including politics, decision-making, intergovernmental relations, and the interpretation of data presented to the public. An important new feature of this fourth edition is a fully updated and full-featured companion website, written by the authors, containing instructor and student support materials including PowerPoint slides, cases, simulations and links to videos, designed to engage and encourage students to immerse themselves in virtual problem-solving experiences.

This fourth edition of Public Administration has been crafted with student appeal in mind. Each of the book’s chapters is generously illustrated with cartoons, quotes, and artwork—all reinforcing the book’s theme that the field of public administration is rooted in the cultural and political world. Each chapter is also supported with a list of key terms, exercises, and additional resources. This comprehensive, contemporary textbook is an ideal introduction to the subject for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate students enrolled in courses in public administration and public management.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317461869
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/18/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	504
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Marc Holzer (PhD, University of Michigan) is Distinguished Professor at the Institute for Public Service, Suffolk University, Boston. He was previously University Professor and Founding Dean at the School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University. Professor Holzer is extensively published, is a Past President of the American Society for Public Administration and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Richard W. Schwester (PhD, Rutgers University) is Associate Professor of Public Management at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY). His research centers on the use of technology in government, inter-local shared services, and police and emergency service delivery models. Professor Schwester is editor of the Handbook of Critical Incident Analysis, co-author of Public Administration in a Globalized World, and author of Teaching Research Methods in Public Administration.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations vii

Preface xii

Section I Foundations of Public Administration 1

1 What Public Administration Entails 3

2 Organizational Theory and Management 41

3 Politics and Public Administration 73

4 Intergovernmental Relations 91

5 Ethics and Public Administration 109

Section II Managing People and Administering Public Services 139

6 Managing Human Resources 141

7 Public Decision-Making 187

8 Public-Sector Leadership 221

9 Public Budgeting 249

Section III Improving the Efficiency and Efficacy of Public Organizations 269

10 Public Performance 271

11 Program and Policy Assessment 299

12 Existing Data, Big Data, and Analyzing Data 333

13 Technology and Public Administration 359

14 The Future of Public Administration 397

Index 422

Editorial Reviews

"A truly outstanding guide for the study and practice of public administration—and a most excellent resource for training future civil servants at all levels of jurisdiction. This is a must read for a comprehensive introduction to the field."

Stephanie P. Newbold, Rutgers University—Newark, USA

"Holzer and Schwester have done a marvelous job updating an already superb introductory public administration text. The book was already unique in its use of visualization to home in on the concepts and key themes encompassing the practice and theory of public administration. This edition continues the tradition, providing inspiration for public service and building the skills of would-be public servants in a manner accessible to a wide audience. The text also includes cutting-edge practices and theories, making it relevant and relatable to students. In this new edition, the authors masterfully weave the Covid-19 pandemic response into several themes to illustrate the many aspects and dimensions of public administration required to address this crisis and their applicability to future events. Bravo!"

Patria de Lancer Julnes, University of New Mexico, USA; President, American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

"This latest edition of Public Administration represents a timely update to an already comprehensive book. Its strength lies in its ability to elucidate the intricate context and fundamental concepts of public administration while skillfully illustrating real-world practices. It expertly crafts a framework that allows readers to grasp the profound impact of public administration on our society. A great textbook for students and instructors."

Elaine Yi Lu, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, USA

From the Publisher