With Deference to Woodrow Wilson: The Ethics—Administration Dichotomy in American Public Service

Abstract

The ethics—administration dichotomy reflects a misinterpretation of the ethical nature of public service. This commentary reframes the dichotomy via a reconsideration of trust in government, a revised conception of administrative responsibility, and a new model of public administration that integrates the requisites of an effective state with those of active citizenship. It concludes that the cognitive and collaborative competencies required for effective public management parallel, precisely, the competencies required for ethical administration.