Conference Papers

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Public administration graduate education does not fit easily within the walls of universities. The values of public administration, with its emphasis on service, collaboration, community, and the dissemination of usable knowledge that makes a positive difference in our governance system, are different from the values of universities. The university values individualism and scholarly publication; teaching and service are undervalued. Universities tend to overly value its internal life over their connection to the community; they tend to look inward rather than outward. Donald Kennedy (1997) and Ernest Boyer (1990) have voiced concern about the academy. Boyd asks AIs it possible to define the work of faculty in ways that reflect more realistically the full range of academic and civic mandates? (16). Their work resonates with my experiences and my conversations with colleagues working in other universities suggest that my experience is not unique.
For public administration in particular, this conflict in values results in negative consequences for public administration faculty and, I believe, to the public administration community we seek to serve. I believe that the values of the traditional university make it difficult for public administration graduate education to behave in ways that are consistent with the values of the profession. I have puzzled over this apparent conflict and offer my perspective as a way for me to increase my understanding of the situation and to begin a dialogue about strategies for transforming the culture of universities to one that is better aligned with public service values.

Our perceptions are shaped by the culture of our organizations. Boleman and Deal (1984) suggest that these paradigms narrow our focus, perceptions and understanding. We begin to think that the way it is is the way it must be. As an outsider, I see things through a different cultural lens. I see the force of academic culture in the questions and debates, any by the standards used to assess performance. By seeing the culture and how it influences our thinking, we may begin to develop strategies for change.
This paper will explore:
 the structure of the university and the ongoing discussion about public administration as a discipline; 
 the impact of the over-emphasis of scholarly research on public administration; and, 
 some thoughts about change.

Gail Johnson
Old Dominion University
College of Business and Public Administration
Norfolk, VA 23529
phone: (757) 683-5395
email: johnsong@visi.net
homepage: http://members.visi.net/~johnsong/

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Teaching Politics is published by William J. Ball (ball@tcnj.edu)