The ideational poverty of two modes of coupling democracy and administration: Democracy and administration; democracy e. administration

Abstract

An eminent political scientist did not see much of value in public administration theory. He made a dual proposal: one not only can put a low value on taking that theory into account; it is better to neglect it altogether.

This essay agrees only in one regard with that political scientist: public administration theory is in shabby shape. But neither little concern about it, nor neglecting it altogether, will do. Hence this essay seeks to provide perspective on how major conceptual issues coupling the will of government with the work of governance were approached in ways more convenient and simplistic than comprehensive and satisfying.