Public Administration Theories : Instrumental and Value Rationalities

The book examines key public administration theories from the perspective of instrumental and value rationalities. The theories are analyzed on core value, assumption about human nature, methodology, role of government, and disciplinary positioning. The author traces the historical trajectory of each of the two camps of theories.

This book analyzes eight key public administration theories from the perspective of instrumental and value rationalities. In the instrumental rationality camp are the theories of Traditional Public Administration, Privatization, New Public Management, and Holistic Governance. The theories of New Public Administration, Democratic Administration, New Public Service, and Public Value Management fall into the camp of value rationality.The eight theories are analyzed in light of five elements: core value, assumption about human nature, methodology, role of government, and disciplinary positioning. The author also traces the historical trajectories of the two schools of thought, which have alternated in dominance in the evolution of public administration theory studies, presenting pendulum movements. This book presents a new perspective of the two rationalities, leaving readers with a clear understanding of the complex evolution of more than a century of public administration theory.