Description
Book SynopsisScholars 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 Administra
Trade Review“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.”
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