Essay 1
The development of theories and approaches in public administration has largely been associated with the socioeconomic and political conditions of American society over the last hundred years.
In the early 20th century the emphasis in public administration was traditional, structural-functional and rationalistic. In most circumstances, the old public administration served its purpose well. Since the latter part of the last century, we have seen the world transform through globalization, information technology, and devolution of authority.
Develop an essay considering the three parts of this essay question, below. Consider Denhardt and Denhardt (2015), Jun (2006), Bolman and Deal (2017), and other materials from the MPA program as you answer this question.
Part One: Explain Old Public Administration in the context of its role as the dominant historical theory in public administration practice. Describe its major theoretical assumptions and identify the historical framework in which it emerged.
Part Two: What are some of the major reasons for promoting New Public Management? Discuss some of its limitations.
Part Three: Discuss more recent theoretical developments that are responsible for evolving approaches to public administration in today’s political, social, and governance climate. Evaluate the viability of New Public Service as a part of that theoretical basis.
Remember to apply your theoretical arguments to the practice of public administration, drawing on your professional experiences and utilizing related examples and illustrations (including from health care, if that is your concentration) to support your response.
