The Case for Bureaucracy : A Public Administration Polemic - Softcover

Charles T. Goodsell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566430070 ISBN 13: 9781566430074

Publisher: Chatham House Publishers, 1994

Synopsis

In this revised third edition the author sharpens his defence of the American public service. Attacking both the popular stereotypes and some more caustic criticism by academics in the field of public administration, this book presents substantial statistical data, buttressed by personal observation, to demonstrate the author's theory that American government is actually more competent, successful and steadfast than most people realise. In support of his argument, the author cites positive productivity figures and surveys of citizen response to actual contacts with such notorious bureaucratic offenders as the Postal Service and public welfare offices. Again and again he finds there is convincing evidence that the American public service performs its assigned duties with a degree of efficiency and democratic responsibility that deserves appreciation and acclaim rather than habitual disparagement by politicians and the press.

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: Chatham House Publishers
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 1566430070
• ISBN 13: 9781566430074
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 240