Rethinking Public Administration

Rethinking Political Science and International Studies series

Marc Holzer, Professor Emeritus and Founding Dean, School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University; Distinguished Research Professor, Institute for Public Service, Suffolk University-Boston; Elected Fellow, National Academy of Public Administration, US

Governments have always required large public organizations, or bureaucracies, to deliver on their promises. Yet most people leading and managing those agencies lack understanding of the full toolkit of values, insights and findings that are necessary. Considering how public administration can learn from a wide range of disciplines ranging from history and the humanities to management and the social sciences, Marc Holzer delineates new ways of transforming organizations and building trust in governments.

‘Building upon his vast experiences Marc Holzer rethinks public administration. In combining a pragmatic logic of performance with an ethical logic of appropriateness he manages convincingly to show how to rebuild a trustworthy and resilient public service, owned by all societal stakeholders. This book demonstrates clearly that rethinking and rebuilding is desirable and feasible.’
– Geert Bouckaert, KU Leuven Public Governance Institute, Belgium

‘In his exceptional, path-breaking book, Marc Holzer addresses critical, recurring themes in public administration: rebuilding public trust and recognizing the “good” in bureaucratic behavior. This book challenges the common, disparaging misrepresentation of public servants by acknowledging that they do not operate in a vacuum but are integral partners with a broad array of disparate bodies. Holzer offers suggestions for research that will rebuild public trust and promote the remarkable work of public servants.’
– Norma M. Riccucci, Rutgers University, Newark, US

重新思考公共行政年代hines a bright and welcome light on public services and public missions for our times. Government is and remains essential. This well-written book helps readers increase public trust and strengthen communities; it is steeped in modern practices and much-needed wisdom. Holzer is a leader in the field and this book is essential reading for everyone dealing with today's turbulent and unsettled contexts.’
– Evan Berman, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Brazil