Frederickson, H: Public Administration Theory Primer

Chapter 1 Introduction: The Possibilities of Theory Chapter 2 Theories of Political Control of Bureaucracy Chapter 3 Theories of Bureaucratic Politics Chapter 4 Public Institutional Theory Chapter 5 Theories of Public Management Chapter 6 Postmodern Theory Chapter 7 Decision Theory Chapter 8 Rational Choice Theory and Irrational Behavior Chapter 9 Theories of Governance Chapter 10 Conclusion: A Bright Future for Theory?

H. George Frederickson is Distinguished Professor of Public Administration at the University of Kansas. Kevin B. Smith is professor of political science at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Christopher W. Larimer is associate professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa. Michael J. Licari is associate professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa.

"The student new to Public Administration might be struck by the longstanding disciplinary commitment to grounding empirical observation in theoretical frameworks. This makes "The""Public Administration Theory Primer "an essential companion for new explorers or old hands in the field. Providing an essential map--complete with commentary on roadside attractions and directions through scenic by-ways-- the authors not only introduce core bodies of theory and their development, they never fail to assess the applicability of each. The reader will be left with a strong sense of the landscape and good idea of where to head for an extended exploration." -Jonathan GS Koppell, Director, ASU School of Public Affairs, Lattie and Elva Coor Presidential Chair

""The Public Administration Theory Primer" is the perfect starting point for any student of public administration. It provides a well documented overview of an exceptional range of topics. It is the perfect Christmas gift for the graduate student in your life." --Kenneth Meier, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Texas A&M University and Professor of Public Mangement, Cardiff University in WalesPraise for the First Edition: "Frederickson and Smith have drawn a road map of the field's big questions--and the most promising directions for resolving them. It's an important and lively contribution to the debate about the future of public administration theory." --Donald F. Kettl, University of Wisconsin, Madison "By their shrewd selection of proven and emerging scholarship, Frederickson and Smith show the extent to which the study of public administration is and must be founded on theory. In their treatment, public administration has become an inspiration and a forum for some of the best thinking in the social and behavioral sciences." --Laurence E. Lynn, Jr., Texas A&M University "Much of the administrative theory literature is partial, polemical and difficult to penetrate. This volume is very different from that