Discussions: Foundations of Public Administration

Discussion 1: Characteristics of the Modern Bureaucracy

Discuss your view about the modern bureaucracy, particularly regarding the size of the bureaucracy, its role in daily public life, and characteristics of the civil service workforce. In particular, discuss whether it should be easier to hire and terminate civil servants based on their performance, and whether high-performing civil servants should receive merit-based compensation similar to their counterparts in the private sector. In addition, speculate about differences between the private sector and the public sector, and to discuss which characteristics of the private sector could be imported into the public sector to improve performance and quality. Respond to at least two of your classmates' postings.

Discussion 2: An Ideal Bureaucracy

In your readings this week, you have reviewed a number of theories of organization and public administration. After reflecting on these theories, described how you would adjust, amend, or reform the current bureaucracy to meet the needs of the United States in the 21st century. Consider the following questions: is the current American bureaucracy in need of reform, or does it largely meet the needs of society?

Do you believe that there are deep systemic and fundamental changes required to create an ideal bureaucracy?

Is an ideal bureaucracy possible given the size of the United States and the many different constituencies within the country?

How likely, or unlikely, are the prospects of any major changes occurring in the near term or long term? Respond to at least two of your classmates' postings.

Class Text: Cropf, R. (2008). American public administration: public service for the 21st century (1st ed.) New York, NY: Pearson Longman.