The development of theories and approaches in public administration has largely been associated with the
socioeconomic and political conditions of American society over the last hundred and twenty years. In the
early 20th century, the emphasis in public administration was traditional, structural-functional, and
rationalistic. In most circumstances, the old public administration served its purpose well. Since the latter
part of the last century, we have seen the world transform through globalization, information technology,
and devolution of authority. Develop an essay considering the following three aspects—consider
Denhardt and Denhardt, Jun, Bolman and Deal, and other materials from the MPA program as you answer
this question.
You may apply your theoretical arguments to the practice of public administration by drawing on your
professional experiences and utilizing related examples and illustrations (including from health care, if
that is your option) to support your response.
Part One: Explain Old Public Administration in the context of its role as the dominant historical theory in
public administration practice. Elaborate on its major theoretical assumptions, identify the historical
framework in which it emerged.
Part Two: What are some of the major reasons for promoting New Public Management (NPM)? Discuss
some of its limitations.
Part Three: Describe at least two more recent (than the approaches in parts one and two) theoretical
justifications for developing responsible public administration practices in today’s political, social, and
governance climate. Include an evaluation of the New Public Service (NPS) with each of your chosen
theoretical justifications.
Resources:
1. Denhardt, J. V., & Denhardt, R. B. (2015). The New Public Service: Serving, not steering (4thed.). New York, NY: Routledge. [ISBN: 9781138891258] https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csueastbay/detail.action?docID=1987301
2. Jun, J. S. (2006). The social construction of public administration: Interpretive and criticalperspectives. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. [ISBN: 978- 0791467268] https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csueastbay/detail.action?docID=3407710
