Public Service and Social Responsibility: A Role for Public Affairs in Undergraduate Business Education

Abstract

The public management, nonprofit, and business sectors are becoming more integrated. Governments are increasingly dependent upon businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide public services, regulation is increasing, and nonprofit organizations provide an alternative for public service delivery as well as maintain a watchful eye over businesses and governments. A solid understanding of public problems and the intersections between the sectors is critical for managers of today. Public affairs programs can play an important role in this process by expanding their focus to offer courses to undergraduate business students that bridge the gap between public affairs issues and the business sector. By developing mutually beneficial partnerships with business schools, public affairs programs will gain substantial benefit, both academically and professionally. We can pursue our mission to encourage public service in a broader arena, recruit talented undergraduates to public affairs programs and positions, expand teaching and research opportunities, and enhance our reputation as a field.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aimee L. Williamson

Aimee L. Williamson, PhD, is an assistant professor of Public Administration at the Suffolk University Institute for Public Service in Boston, Massachusetts. She teaches courses in public administration, leadership, and social change. Her current research focuses on public-private management distinctions, administrative reform, and education policy.

Brendan F. Burke

Brendan F. Burke, PhD, is an associate professor in the Institute for Public Service at Suffolk University. His research interests are in administrative reform, executive leadership, and comparative public management. He has published in many journals, including Public Administration Review, Publius: The Journal of Federalism, State Politics & Policy Quarterly, and the American Review of Public Administration. Before pursuing his academic career, Brendan worked for county executives in Virginia and North Carolina.

Richard H. Beinecke

Richard H. Beinecke, DPA, ACSW, is professor, Suffolk University Institute for Public Service and Healthcare and chair of the Institute. He teaches courses on U. S. health policy, global health, leadership, and social change. His current research is on implementation of evidence-based practices, comparative mental health and health systems, and global leadership competencies.