The Restudy of Public Administration from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

• In Event: The Diversity of Public Administration

Abstract

This article delves into a critical reassessment of public administration, departing from the traditional dichotomy posed by Wilson in “The Study of Public Administration.” While Wilson, the founding father of public administration, delineated a clear distinction between politics and public administration, this article argues for a paradigm shift in understanding the intricate relationship between the two. Titled “The Restudy of Public Administration from an Interdisciplinary Perspective,” this work posits that politics is not merely a separate entity from public administration; rather, it asserts that politics permeates and dominates the fabric of public administration.

In the contemporary context, marked by concerns of democratic backsliding, this article contends that the focus should shift from the mechanistic and scientific management perspectives advocated by early scholars such as Wilson, Goodnow, and Taylor. Instead, it advocates for a nuanced examination of how politics and administration not only intersect but are inherently intertwined. The article argues that effective governance in the face of democratic challenges necessitates a holistic understanding of the symbiotic relationship between politics and administration.

The central theme revolves around the urgency of exploring interdisciplinary communication and integration in the study of public administration and public policy processes. Beyond the traditional organizational management frameworks, the paper calls for a deeper reflection on how political dynamics shape administrative functions and vice versa. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for navigating the complexities of contemporary governance, where the challenges of democratic backsliding demand a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between political forces and administrative mechanisms.

As the world grapples with evolving political landscapes, this article serves as a timely contribution to the academic discourse, advocating for a paradigmatic shift towards an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the study of public administration and public policy processes. The interdisciplinary lens enables a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in the governance process, thereby offering valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

Author

• Xin Han, Montana State University