The case for bureaucracy: A public administration polemic (Chatham House series on change in American politics) - Softcover

Charles T. Goodsell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0934540551 ISBN 13: 9780934540551

Publisher: Seven Bridges Press,U.S., 1985

Synopsis

The Case for Bureaucracy persuasively argues that American public servants and administrative institutions are among the best in the world. Contrary to popular stereotypes, they are neither sources of great waste nor a threat to liberty, but social assets of critical value to a functioning democracy. In presenting his case, Goodsell touches on core aspects of public administration while drawing on important, recent events to bring case material and empirical evidence fully up to date.This new edition incorporates the events of 9/11 to explore their impact on future bureaucratic performance, speaking specifically to the massive reorganization under the new Department of Homeland Security. As well, Goodsell offers a complete assessment of the reinventing government movement and related reforms to show how far bureaucracies have come, while pointing to the challenges they continue to face.Updating worth highlighting:New data on public perceptions of bureaucracy.New section on the delegation of policy implementation to contractors and nonprofits.New statistics regarding quality-of-life improvements in American society since the 1980s.New profiles of real bureaucrats&BAD:mdash;and citizen interaction with them&BAD:mdash;giving bureaucracy a human face.New material on bureaucratic contributions to the political system that go beyond implementing policy.New coverage of the administrative consolidation following 9/11 and competitive outsourcing by the Bush Administration.New analysis of current reform proposals focused on market competition and business management practices.New proposals for ways to improve bureaucracy.

About this title

About the Author:

Charles T. Goodsell is Professor Emeritus at the Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His other books include The American Statehouse: Interpreting Democracy's Temples; Public Administration Illuminated and Inspired by the Arts, co-edited with Nancy Murray; The Social Meaning of Civic Space: Studying Political Authority Through Architecture.

About this edition

• Publisher: Seven Bridges Press,U.S.
• Publication date: 1985
• ISBN 10: 0934540551
• ISBN 13: 9780934540551
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 256