
In Defense of Politics in Public Administration
A Value Pluralist Perspective
Michael W. Spicer(Author)
The University of Alabama Press
Published on 30. May 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-8173-5796-2 (ISBN)
Description
Scholars of public administration have historically too often been disdainful towards politics in the field, viewing political activities and interests as opportunities for corruption, mismanagement, and skewed priorities. Supporters of this antipolitical stance have become even more strident in recent years, many of them advancing scientific models for the study and practise of public administration and governance.
Michael Spicer argues that politics deserves to be defended as a vital facet of public administration on the grounds that it can promote moral conduct in government and in public administration, principally by bringing to the foreground the role of values in administrative practice. Politics can facilitate the resolution of conflicts that naturally arise from competing values, or conceptions of the good, while minimising the use of force or violence. Drawing on the writings of Isaiah Berlin, Bernard Crick, and Stuart Hampshire, In Defense of Politics in Public Administration argues that value conflict is an integral part of our moral experience, both in making our own moral choices and in dealing with those whose values conflict with our own. This book is a spirited declaration of principles and a timely contribution to a dialogue that is redefining public administration, both in theory and in practise.
Michael Spicer argues that politics deserves to be defended as a vital facet of public administration on the grounds that it can promote moral conduct in government and in public administration, principally by bringing to the foreground the role of values in administrative practice. Politics can facilitate the resolution of conflicts that naturally arise from competing values, or conceptions of the good, while minimising the use of force or violence. Drawing on the writings of Isaiah Berlin, Bernard Crick, and Stuart Hampshire, In Defense of Politics in Public Administration argues that value conflict is an integral part of our moral experience, both in making our own moral choices and in dealing with those whose values conflict with our own. This book is a spirited declaration of principles and a timely contribution to a dialogue that is redefining public administration, both in theory and in practise.
Reviews / Votes
"Spicer argues that politics is central to public administration because it reflects the moral diversity and value differences found within a democracy. An outstanding book for collections on public administration, policy, and U.S. politiecs. Highly recommended for all readership levels." CHOICEMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Alabama
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 228 mm
Width: 149 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
219 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8173-5796-2 (9780817357962)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Michael W. Spicer is Professor of Public Administration and Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and the author of Public Administration and the State (Alabama, 2001).