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Foundations of Public Administration 
Theory and Scope
Mark R. Rutgers
The Foundations of Public Administration Series is a collection of articles written by experts in 20 
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Theory and Scope of Public Administration: An Introduction to the Study’s Epistemology

Mark Rutgers, University of Amsterdam

1. Introduction 1. Introduction
1.1 A Search for Identity
A Search for Identity
1.2 Public Administration versus public
administration
In 1968 Dwight Waldo published an article Scope of the
1.3 How to Study ‘Theory & Scope’?
Theory of Public Administration. In his article Waldo made
2. A Brief History of the Study
a famous statement that the study of public
2.1 Prehistory and Classic Period
administration has an identity crisis. The alleged crisis is
2.2 The Modern Study of Public Administration precisely at the interstices of ‘scope’ and ‘theory’, that
2.3 The Differentiated or Contemporary Period is, it links the subject matter and the means to
3. The Study’s Concern: An Empirical Approach understand and explain this object of study. Scope,
3.1 Topics in the Literature Waldo points out, is closely related to the issue of the
3.3 The Normative Nature of Scope objectives of public administration, and with the
4. Scope: The Study’s Ontology boundaries of the field. These are, however, unclear
since the late 1940’s; what is more, the meaning of
4.1 Conceptualizing Public Administration
‘theory’ is diverse (Waldo, 1968, p.2). The scope of the
4.2 Public & Private
theories used is indicated by problems, according to
4.3 Politics & Administration
Waldo, “problems that have both practical and
4.4 State & Society theoretical dimensions” (Waldo, 1968, p 2). But to
5. Theory: The Methodology of the Study argue that coherence can be found by stating that the
5.1 The Methodological quandrum
5.2 The Nature of Theory Mark R. Rutgers is professor of the 
5.3 The Issue of Interdisciplinarity philosophy of public administration at 
the University of Amsterdam, the 
6. A future for the Study of Public Administration? Netherlands. His main interests 
include the nature of the study of 
public administration, public values, 
and  the foundations of administrative 
thought.  
 
[email protected] 

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Foundations of Public Administration 
Theory and Scope
Mark R. Rutgers
problems, objectives, boundaries, and so on, all and justice, to society, law, and, last but not least, the
concern public administration is hardly helpful as it is state. Yet, no reason to despair, for as indicated most
unclear what public administration is. (Waldo, 1968, p fields of study only have some vague comprehensive
2). notion of what they are about, i.e. their subject matter.
Thus sociology is about ‘the social’, psychology about
This brief argument by Waldo provides us in a nutshell ‘the psyche’, and political science about ‘politics.’
with the topic: the scope or topics, and the theories or Usually these encompassing core concepts are much
explanatory ideas that make up the study public disputed and their meaning remains implicit and vague.
administration. Also authors may wonder what precisely is ‘politics’? Is
it just about who gets power? Or is it about social
The focus is upon understanding the complex nature of interaction more generally, or about peaceful resolving
our ideas on public administration and why its ‘identity’ social strive, or…. Whatever? What we choose makes a
so quickly seems to evade us. Let me emphasize from difference to what is regarded a relevant phenomena or
the start my own position: it makes no sense to look also how it should be interpreted or explained. Without
for an identity, paradigm, discipline, or whatever exception, the social sciences or studies presuppose a
supposed coherent, unifying core of questions, ideas, normative image of humanity and society. At first
practices, problems, methods, and/or approaches; glance, the difficulty to pin point is perhaps a special
particularly not for the study of public administration. concern for social sciences, because their object of
As I have indicated before, if we need such labels, study is usually not some simply empirically observable
perhaps ‘crisis as identity’ captures the nature of the phenomenon. Rather social sciences are intertwined
study of public administration better. Though, of with ideas about, for instance, justice, order, (proper)
course, readers should make up their own mind when behavior, responsibility, i.e. with social constructs.
trying to make sense of the variety of viewpoints about Nevertheless, similar issues surround physics (‘the
the nature of the study and what it means to sciences’). For instance the famous physicist Feynman
understand or theorize about public administration. is known to have ‘redrawn the field’ by means of
writing a new textbook. He presented the field, its
Undoubtedly today all social studies find it difficult to topics, concerns, and the interrelationships between
pinpoint their object of study in a more detailed and them in a new way, thereby providing a different
encompassing way. However, in the 19th century understanding of what the study was about. In one
German Scholar Lorenz von Stein argued, it is the sense the average scientist is just doing his or her job
worst of all studies for the study of public and not really bothered by discovering its overarching
administration: defining its subject matter, i.e. public subject matter. That’s left to others, the theoreticians
administration (‘öffentliche Verwaltung’) presupposes and philosophers of the field arguing firm foundations
an overwhelming number of other complex concepts, or encompassing perspectives, as well as, to textbook
ranging from the very nature of humanity, freedom, authors and journal editors pragmatically determining

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what they consider as belonging to the field and what administration can refer to a social reality of people and
not. organizations, budgets, administrators, and so on. Next
the term may distinguish between its everyday, non-
Why would we be interested in the theory and scope of scientific use in social practice, and its scholarly
public administration? To begin with, most of us are application. In the former case, the term refers to fuzzy
interested in specific issues: running an organization, and/or different concepts. In the latter case, the term
attainment of policy goals, and the like. That is denotes the object of study and ideally allows for a
obviously the stuff involving public administration. But clear or clearer definition. For example the term
what then is considered a matter of public ‘bureaucracy’: in every day circumstances it implies
administration? How is “it” described, explained, and ‘government’, ‘bureaucrats’, ‘red tape’, and so on with
possibly changed? How is a specific part of social usually (negative) normative connotations. On the
reality constructed? How to understand it and thereby other hand, an academic study of ‘bureaucracy’ defines
act upon these ideas? For do not our ideas influence it a following specific theories of, for instance, Weber.
our actions? Thus the term is used with a precise meaning, i.e.
referring to a special kind of organization, and is not
This said, it may appear easy to determine what public intended to be normative (although the term “ideal-
administration is, and thus what are considered type” itself leads into considerable semantic confusion).
appropriate topics of study, i.e. the scope, or do we
simply take a look at what is being studied and written Second, public administration can denote a specific
by public administrationists? The obvious problem here academic field of study, i.e. the science or study of
is, however, that we quickly end up going around in a public administration. Here, a study and its object of
circle: for who are we to consider authors on public study need to be distinguished: political science and
administration? People calling themselves so? Scholars politics do not coincide, nor do sociology and social
paid a salary as members of a university department reality, or psychology and the psyche. Sociological
called ‘public administration’? Authors publishing in a questions and social problems, or psychological
journal with public administration in its mission questions and psychic problems are not identical; even
statement? Depending on our purposes this can be though the former aims at better understanding and
useful starting points, however, whatever approach we explaining the latter. Contrary to other languages,
favor, all start with our ideas what public however, English does not provide us with distinct
administration (and its study) is about. terms for study and object of study, such as in German
‘Verwaltunsgwissenschaft’ and ‘öffentliche Verwaltung’
Public Administration versus public administration or in Dutch ‘Bestuurskunde’ and ‘openbaar bestuur.’
Dwight Waldo pointed out this problem in 1968 when
Before delving into history, a warning: the term ‘public discussing the scope of the study. In a note he stated:
administration’ easily results in confusion. First, public

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Theory and Scope
Mark R. Rutgers
“Discussions of public administration are plagued by a However, in German (and other languages) social
serious problem because differing meanings may be given to or studies, the study of history and of law all refer to
understood by the phrase. Sometimes in seeking to be clear
and precise, I have used upper case to refer to the self- ‘Wissenschaft’, no natural science methodology is
conscious enterprise of study, and the like, and lower case to included in the meaning of the term. As we will see
refer to the practices or processes which are the object of our later on, linguistic and cultural differences are also
attention” (Waldo, 1968, p.1).
pronounced in the conceptualization of the object of
administrative study.
His words appears to discover an easy solution, but it
isn’t. Quickly the two terms are confused in English,
How to Study ‘Theory & Scope’?
despite good intentions. Even Waldo in his own article
forgets to capitalize when applicable. The solution I
One additional introductory topic concerns the
propose thoughout this essay is to use the term ‘the
meaning of ‘theory and scope.’ Together, theory and
study (or science) of public administration’ but reserve
scope comprehensively denote the identity of a field of
the term ‘public administration’ to denote the object of
inquiry. By contrast ‘theory’ includes the ideas
study. Nevertheless, for brevity I immediately will pose
developed in order to describe, understand, and/or
an exception: the theory and scope of public
explain the object of study. The latter refers to the
administration (here) will mean the theory and scope of
‘scope’ as the part of reality that is taken into
the study of public administration.
consideration. At the opening of this essay, Dwight
Waldo closely identified scope with other concepts
A final, closely related, preliminary observation: as
such as objectives and problems. Scope encompasses
already noted, the term public administration is part of
what is being studied. As Waldo indicates, it deals with
the English language. Other languages may or may not
content and thus defines boundaries for administrative
use similar terms and/or have equivalent concepts.
science. This broad meaning of theory and scope
Some languages, such as Indonesian and Hungarian
includes a way, method or methodology to identify
have no immediate equivalent concept for public
topics and to theorize about them. Delving a bit deeper
administration. No universal natural language exists.
into these matters, theory and scope appear intricately
What we can express is inherently dependent upon the
intertwined, as would probably found within everyday
language we use. Language and social reality are
common place perspectives.
intertwined. Even if we seemingly possess equivalent
terms, important small differences persist. For example,
How can theory and scope be described? To start with
‘science’ in English normally defines a specific
the latter, scope concerns the question: What is the
methodological stance, i.e. the methodology of the
study of public administration actually studying, i.e.
natural sciences. Thus the idea of a science of
what are the accepted topics taken into consideration?
administration is associated with Herbert Simon’s
At first glance, this question seems easy to answer: we
logical-positivism. Social studies and (other) humanities
can look for the description of our subject matter, i.e. a
are commonly regarded not as sciences but ‘studies’.

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Theory and Scope
Mark R. Rutgers
definition of public administration and deduce from available“”guesses” or hypotheses. Scientific or
this definition what phenomena are relevant to the academic research aims at refining theories by testing
study. Alternatively a more inductive approach can be through application of the most rigorous
used by identifying the topics dealt with in books and methodological standards. Issues regarding theories
articles on public administration and thereby establish (and their scope) in the study of public administration
its scope. However, as will become apparent, no thus concern the questions about what kind of theories
generally accepted definition of public administration are needed and/or possible to discover.
can be discovered. As Waldo puts it: “’public
administration’ is itself problematic, controversial” Additionally, two related (yet, analytically distinct)
(Waldo, 1968, p 2). issues: first, the ideas or way to arrive at valid theories
and to test and improve them (i.e., the methodology)
As for theory, the question is; ‘what are the accepted second, the image of reality a theory encompasses or
ways of study?’ Why is theory so important? In its creates (i.e. ontology). The methodology concerns
simplest, theory concerns ideas about the nature of questions in the field of the philosophy of the social
reality. A bit more sophisticated, theories are at the sciences: ‘Should PA develop paradigms?’, ‘Is a
heart of explanations how and why things are as they positivistic approach viable?’ or ‘What does
are, or how perhaps how they should be. The basic interdisciplinarity mean?’ The ontology concerns the
kind of explanation, in turn, places something in a philosophy of public administration, and enters into the
context, i.e. to fit it into what we already know to broader fields of political, social, economic, legal, and
enable to provide meaning to it. An ink spot ‘O’ can be moral philosophy.
interpreted as the letter O when placed in the context
of the alphabet. Within a mathematical treatise by Before delving into these three distinguished topics –
contrast, it refers to the number 0 (i.e. zero). In a scope, ontology, and methodology – the next section
discussion about steel tubes, it can mean the cross briefly discusses the development of the study of public
section of a circular tube, as opposed to ∆ or □, and so administration over the centuries in order to provide a
on. In this basic sense, theories are an everyday matter necessary context to assess the nature of administrative
and all around, although often implicit. What is more, sciences, i.e. the theory and scope of public
they van be very unreliable or limited in use. Theories administration. In section 3 the scope of the study will
explain ideas about reality and serve as a basis of action. be taken into consideration, followed by a brief outline
Better everyday theories may result in better, even more of the meaning of ‘public administration’, i.e. the
effective and/or efficient actions. Theories constitute ontology in section 4. Next the methodology of the
claims as to what is real: their claim to validity relies on study will be discussed in section 5, with particular
for instance practical experience, intuition, research, attention to the topic of interdisciplinarity. In the final
logical analysis, as well as normative, moral, ideological section some observations on the studies future will be
beliefs and claims. Scientific theories are rationally best made.

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2. A Brief History of the Study: Four Periods administration in prehistoric, i.e. illiterate, societies we
now know a fair amount; based on archeology, records
What is considered a subject matter for the study of by contemporary authors, and anthropological studies
public administration? What approaches and theories of societies with oral traditions. From such sources
are regarded relevant throughout history? The idea that numerous ideas about what is currently viewed as
public administration is a subject that can or should be leadership, administrative organization, and the like
distinguished from others social practices developed were present. Some fundamental insights are literally
slowly. A conscious notion of ‘public administration’ as older than history. The evidence of the achievements of
a specific social phenomenon emerged in the mid- these people can be found at Stonehenge, Mesa Verde,
nineteenth century. Yet, special attention for the state as well as other early sites with remains of mankind.
organization and its servants predates this unique idea First records of what can be called administrative ideas
by two centuries or more. The belief that such subject are Sumerian. Sumeria marks the birth in a formal
matter deserves special attention, not offered by other sense and of the Classic Period. It actually does not yet
fields of study originates in the mid-seventeenth include the rise of any conscious study of public
century, although arguably, this insight was administration, but does contain roots of several
rediscovered several times before. A lot of similar administrative ideas and insights. In fact, script was
concepts and ideas are considerably older, and, itself a prime administrative invention for the first city
certainly not were limited to Western thought. Much states. From early on ideas concerning proper behavior
older Chinese ideas on, for instance, recruitment can be in ‘the public service’ were written out and handed
traced in the work of an early 18th century down to new generations in schools. The so-called
administrative theorist, Christian von Wolff. However, instruction literature provided moral guidance for how
the Western world developed the modern study of to behave and work in government over 3000 years.
public administration as a specialized academic or The Middle Ages in the Western Mirrors of Princes
scientific study evolving through four phases of historic moral treatises were written on the behavior of a future
development in (Rutgers, 2004): king, at the same time as a means of instruction for
 Prehistory those involved within government.
 The Classic Period
During the Classic period great ideas developed and
 The Modern study of Public Administration
were handed down over centuries, including ideas
 The Differentiated or Contemporary Period
about how to administer and organize by the Greek
philosophers and Roman administrators. Also medieval
Prehistory and Classic Period
authors should not be overlooked. They developed, for
instance, double book keeping and were the first to
The first two predate the development of an actual
write down a modern merit system. Nevertheless, no
study of public administration. Of public
specific study of public administration emerged.

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Mark R. Rutgers
Administration and government were hardly would be labeled ‘public administration’ was beginning
distinguished at all. ‘Public’ in as far as encompassed by to emerge.
the state was the property of a monarch. Subjects were,
well simply subjects. The new study really took hold throughout the
seventeenth century in the guise of the so called council
The Modern Study of Public Administration studies: Cameralism and polity science. An important date
is 1729 when the first two university professors of
First attempts to create a specific study of public Cameralism were appointed in Prussia. This implies the
administration were formulated by Veit Ludwig von study became formally recognized and institutionalized.
Seckendorff in his Teutscher Fürstenstaat, or German Within a few decades cameralism was taught at most
Principality first published in 1656. Seckendorff mid-European (German language) universities and
described topics germane to the administration of a even special cameralistic schools were established.
small principality and referred to his approach as Drawing upon the initially very eclectic sources of
scientific, as he aimed to transcend the contingencies of knowledge, by the eighteenth-century scholars such as
everyday and local practices. He also explicitly Johann Heinrich Gottlob von Justi and Joseph
distinguished himself from the existing studies at the Sonnenfels started to develop more systematic and
university in philosophy, politics and religion: the theoretically founded approaches to the study. The
practice of public administration required a different core concept to denote the object of study was,
body of knowledge in his experience as a head in the however, still not ‘public administration’, but ‘policy’,
administration of the principality of Fulda. This is ‘polity’ or ‘police’ (the three not being distinguished,
emphasized by his book being published in German, just as administration and government still were used as
whereas the academic language was still Latin. Similar synonyms). Eighteenth century academics reasoned
ideas were voiced around 1700 by the French author from a contract theory of the state. They argued that a
Nicolas Delamare. In his Traité de la Police (1703-1738), monarch or prince should provide happiness for his
or Treatise on Polity. He crafted a study about public subjects by means of the state's administration or
administration (for a much vaster country). Delamare polity. They cited Greek theorists as their prime
explicitly pointed out that his approach was new, in his sources, particularly the Aristotelian notion of
case he pointed out differences with the legal treatises Eudaimonia, i.e. total physical and moral happiness as
that were usually studied before entering the the purpose of administration and the normative basis
administration. To the modern reader both books by of policy and state organization. Attempts to unite all
Seckendorff and Delamare are primarily modge podge potential relevant knowledge for a newly understood
collections of historical, practical, and legal knowledge ‘public administration’ never resulted in agreement or
for running state administration or government. consensus. Again and again, attempts were undertaken
Nevertheless, a special body of knowledge that today to establish the study and to find its true foundations
and unity. While similar approaches and topics were

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Theory and Scope
Mark R. Rutgers
repeatedly studied, Incremental changes or clear identity; the result of other developments, such as
developments can be noticed. Especially towards the the rejection of practical studies as belonging properly
late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries topics within universities, the growing dominance of
such as ‘the choice of a spouse for the prince’ were administrative law and constitutional law, as well as
dropped, whereas political economy and administrative from an inability to include modern economic thought
law rose in prominence. in the cameralistic framework. The rise of economic
studies and the development of the social sciences
Likewise, this era witnessed a more modern concept of throughout the nineteenth century, also overwhelmed
sciences emerging. The idea that scientific study can the study of administrative phenomena, yet did not
advance social progress and improve humanity, i.e. entirely annihilate it. In fact, the most elaborate, if not
early positivism, suited the study of public megalomanial, though systematic, coherent effort to
administration well. The French author Charles-Jean create a study of public administration dates from the
Bonnin published Principe d'administration publique, or second half of the nineteenth century. The German
Principle of Public Administration in 1812. scholar Lorenz Von Stein (1815-1890) envisaged a
Bonnin called his study of public administration (as comprehensive administrative science. He called the
before) a practical science, and saw as its key challenge study of public administration the crown on all the
as the need to balance law and social studies. He sciences, because the state administration must use all
explicitly drew upon positivistic natural sciences for his human knowledge in order to ensure a better society
intellectual mode.1 and guarantee freedom for its citizens. Notwithstanding
Stein, a unique administrative science disappeared
As before, early nineteenth century authors never fully almost entirely from Europe. Concomitantly with a rise
agreed on the nature of administrative sciences and in prominence of legal studies, the meaning of
pleaded for incorporating different perspectives or administration became narrowed to ‘the execution of
methodologies. After more than a century of growth, law’ and therefore not regarded an appropriate topic
the study started to dwindle mid-nineteenth century for social scientists to analyze. Despite a few early
and nearly disappeared entirely within 10 years. Its European twentieth century investigations, the
eclipse derived from the lack of success at discovering a theoretical development of a study of public
coherent, encompassing body of knowledge with a administration was left to the other side of the Atlantic.

In the slipstream of nineteenth-century ideas on the

1 Positivism as the believe in the advancement of society by 
the science, in particular empiral sciences is usually linked with  improvement of public ethics (the moral reform
Claude Henri de Saint‐Simon (1760‐1825) and, more  movement), a study of administration started to
importantly, with the ideas of Auguste Comte (1798‐1857). 
develop rather quickly in the early twentieth century in
the United States. Traditionally, Woodrow Wilson's
  essay “The Study of Administration” (1887), is regarded

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Mark R. Rutgers
the first herald of the new study, although historically (economics, political science, sociology, psychology)
and more correctly Frank Goodnow’s publication and law (the latter more prominent in Europe). An
Politics and Administration (1900) and the establishment important characteristic of the modern period is that
of the New York Bureau of Municipal Research in authors sought theoretical unity, as well as a singular
1906 deserve those honors. The focus was on creating foundation; their goal was a comprehensive, unifying
a politically neutral, professional, performance- theory. European forerunners of the study were
oriented, and responsive state apparatus. As a starting unsuccessful in this respect, as were the pre-WWII
point, a normative distinction between political and American authors, for the search for ‘principles’ and a
administrative became important. This made it possible normative foundation.
to regard public administration as being in principle
identical to business administration. This coincides with The Differentiated or Contemporary Period
a strong influence of scientific management developed
by Frederick Taylor that promoted scientific By the 1950’s the American discourse on the study of
administration. Henry Fayol is another important public administration lost its self-confidence in its
author who developed a general theory of origins (at least, its theoreticians did). Severe criticism
administration and (also) focused on tracing ‘principles focused on its claims to being scientific plus on
of administration.’ Fayol argued that no strict discovering principles. Herbert Simon and Dwight
naturalistic laws could be expected as some uncertainty Waldo are the most prominent postwar scholars to
is involved in human behavior; hence his focus on voice the need for new directions.
principles. A search for administrative principles
flourished in particular in the 1920s and 1930s. Public Simon’s foundation premised upon Administrative
Administration earned wide recognition and its main Behavior (1947), argued for a new intellectual logical-
leaders were actively involved all layers of U.S. positivistic, empirical science of decision making. Facts
government. should be central to the science of administration, and
values or value judgments ought not to be the object of
To conclude this brief outline of the modern period its administrative science. On the one hand, Simon stuck
characteristics include: (1) serious attempts to develop to the ‘modern’ search for a universal basis of the
an identifiable study of public administration (as we study. On the other hand, he rejected the idea that, as a
would understand it now), (2) numerous authors science, the study can, or even should, strive for
arguing the need for practical relevance of knowledge, integration of all possibly relevant knowledge involving
and, (3) efforts to integrate a number of (existing) administrative practice. Strikingly, his approach
bodies of knowledge that pertain to public attracted few followers within the traditional ranks of
administration. Originally a broad mix of topics American public administration and Simon did not
covered a range from forestry to healthcare, law and consider himself turned away from the study of public
political/moral ideas, later the entire social sciences

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administration because it failed to meet his criteria of Discussions about the scientific status of the field and
science. on its theoretical foundations continued unabated
finding its focal point at the 1968 Minnowbrook
Waldo convincingly showed that the principles Conference.
approach could not be sustained, but more profoundly,
he analyzed the field’s normative foundations in The Alternatives bloomed throughout the 1970s and 1980s,
Administrative State (1948). Contrary to Simon, Waldo such as New Public Administration launched in
underscored political, value basis of contemporary Minnowbrook, making a homogeneous view of the
public administration. Rather than limiting the scope of field virtually impossible. The empirical study of public
the field, he called for a wider, more interpretative, and organizations and policies, however, dominated the
philosophical perspective, though without identifying research agenda. More or less independent ‘schools’
or entrancing a single, monolithic methodology. By the emerged focusing on either public policy or public
1960’s, Waldo also began talking about an identity crisis management. Also more specific theoretical or
that still persists one way or another. Alternatively, he methodological orientations, such as rational choice
proposed viewing the field as a ‘profession’ or an theory or communication theory, became popular. In
‘enterprise’, utilizing a plurality of bodies that linked Europe, the diversity in the study was much less,
theory and practice. simply due to the small number of academics.
European administrative sciences continued to be
The 1960s saw the development of an autonomous characterized by relatively strong, independent national
study of public administration taking off again in “state-centered” traditions.
Europe. These developments were heavily influenced
by the U.S. Roughly, public administrationists became During the 1980s off and on the study’s mainstream
divided along two dimensions: academic versus practice trended towards a practically relevant, empirical public
oriented and research versus educational ideals. The policy making and public management. Nevertheless, a
academic-research-oriented authors pursued a positivist proliferation of alternative approaches to the study
approach in the spirit of Herbert Simon. Their focus continued, even by an explicit ‘refounding movement’.
centered on decision making and organization studies. Mainly inspired from administrative practice,
Followers of Dwight Waldo addressing academic- Reinventing Government or New Public Management
education ideals (and ideas) primarily concentrated on became a core topic in the debates in the 1990s.
forging a generalist curriculum, that combined social Debates on the scientific status of the study resurfaced.
sciences, history, comparative studies, and political Authors identified numerous sources for the identity
theory. Advocates of both camps can be found in crisis, and sought new fundamental approaches. By the
Europe. Although their prime concern to establish a late 1990s and early 21st century calls for a broadening
social science perspective within public administration of the field from ‘public administration’ to ‘governance’
to supplement the dominant European legal approach. were heard.

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disappeared and new one’s arrived. In principle all
If pre-WWII period administrative sciences can be relevant knowledge and approaches, from the earliest
characterized by an institutionalization of research founders onward, were deemed important for
programs, academic curricula, and specialist journals consideration. What topics took priority, which
and associations, the postwar witnessed a rapid growth approaches should be dominant, and included within
of plurality and diversity in administrative theory and administration studies, never resulted in consensus at
scope that defies any single unifying, easy least in general terms.
comprehensive grasp of the study. Existence of an
increasing body of knowledge in the study of 3. The Study’s Concern: An Empirical
administration does not result in a well-defined identity Approach
or self-image in the early 21st century. As in the modern
period, the study is characterized by attempting to Topics in the Literature
combine practical and scientific or academic objectives
as well as eclecticism and, by what nowadays is often What is the object of study of public administration?
called a multi- or interdisciplinary orientation. The Obviously, ‘public administration,’ but what is denoted
search for a unifying, all encompassing system or by this concept? At first glance these questions seem
general theory, with an accompanying methodology, is easy to answer: just look at the definition of public
no longer at the heart of the intellectual concerns administration. However, there is no generally accepted
today. To what extent this results in paradigmatic, definition of public administration. The descriptions
theoretical and/or ontological relativism, and to what that do receive a fair amount of acceptance are vague
degree, remains in dispute. Such trends are certainly not and hardly helpful. To give some examples:
specific to the study of public administration, but its
"Public administration is detailed and systematic execution of
study is perhaps more prone to the consequences of public law." Woodrow Wilson (1887)
fragmentation due to its multi- or interdisciplinary
"Public administration is the management of men and
nature. As in the modern period, a prime argument for materials in the accomplishment of the purpose of the state."
attaining an independent status still relies on its ability Leonard D. White (1926)
to offer more than other studies do, for understanding "Administration is both social engineering and applied
and explaining the phenomenon of public psychology." Marshall E. Dimock (1937)
administration. "Public administration is the organization and management of
men and materials to achieve the purpose of government."
Dwight Waldo (1955)
This brief overview of the study’s development
"When a government is organizes for the effectuation of
indicates that scope and theory of the study community business, we have what has come to be called public
demonstrate both continuity and change. There was administration." Dimock (1967)
more or less agreement since the mid 17th century
about what was important to study, even though topics

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“That part of the public domain concerned with the rise and fall of programming, planning and budgeting
administrative aspects of the resolution of public issues." system (PPBS) and, a decade later, of zero base
Gerald Caiden (1971)
budgeting. The image of what public administration is
"(1) The executive branch of government (yet it is related in
about does not easily arise out of such an eclectic array
important ways to the legislative and judicial branches); (2) the
formulation and implementation of public policies; (3) the of topics.
involvement in a considerable range of problems concerning
human behavior and cooperative human effort; (4) a field that A logical spot to look for a more structured overview
can be differentiated in several ways from private
administration; and (5) the production of public goods and of the topics dealt with in the study of public
services." Richard Stillman (1983) administration is offered by introductory books to the
“Generally speaking, public administration is concerned with study. They give a quick insight into the topic included,
managing change in pursuit of publicly defined societal values.” and how they are linked. Often such books are the way
(Robert B. Denhardt, 1990) most become acquainted with the field in the first
place, when comparing textbooks immense diversity,
These definitions do offer an idea what the study of already signaled by Waldo, is apparent, i.e. much less
public administration is about, but they are open to unanimity than expected. A look at three examples may
debate will be the concern later on. illustrate the difficulties. To start with, Richard
Stillman’s Public administration - Concept and Cases (2010)2,
Instead of deducing the relevant topics from a an introduction to the study that is widely used in the
definition, we can perhaps empirically establish what United States and in its ninth edition (which has now
topics are relevant in the study of public administration. gotten a special ‘international edition’). Looking at the
titles of the chapters there is clearly an enormous
One of the most impressive overviews of field’s variety of topics being addressed. Many easily seem to
changes is provided by archives of the Public fit the previous definitions of the field. Some require
Administration Review (PAR); arguably the most perhaps more imagination, and others seem to be
important journal for featuring its general study over absent. An obvious example of the latter is ‘public law’
the last seven decades, PAR archives define, or at least that figures so prominently in Wilson’s definition but is
represent, a broad cross-section of administrative not even mentioned in Stillman’s index. Although 500
subjects. A host of topics and approaches can be pages, Stillman’s introduction clearly indicates its only a
identified: Almost all key contributors can be found, as selection of topics.
well as, many seminal essays reflecting poignant the
intellectual trends, debates and milestones. The variety An even vaster text is the Handbook of Public
in topics seems almost endless. However, some topics Administration (2007) edited by Jack Rabin, Bartley
recur with regularity, for instance, all kinds of
‘management’ and ‘policy’ surface and resurface. 2 The publishing date printed in the book I received June 2009 
Others seem limited in time, thus we may notice the is 2010. 

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Hildreth and Gerald Miller over 1200 pages, with 31 ‘governance’ as a specific concern is interesting as an
chapters, divided into 15 units of its the core topics. argument can be made that ‘governance’ is replacing
Here public law does figure and public administrative ‘public administration’ as the key term to denote its
history is also added. Reorganization and ecology are, object of study. But that is an issue to be discussed in a
however, absent in this overview. The latter topic is not later.
so easily identified in the book, the former is
highlighted explicitly in at least two chapters (and is The three books provide us with an idea what
indexed as ‘reorganization factors’). What is perhaps according to the authors should be regarded the core
less clear is that the book focuses on the United States, topics, concerns, concepts, and issues facing the study
both historical chapters explicitly state so, as does of public administration. There is a lot of similarity, but
Stillman’s text. This is another indication that the study a lot of variance as well.
of public administration does indeed heavily focus
upon the national or local levels as an academic field of The Normative Nature of Scope
inquiry.
A brief empirical survey of the topics tackled in the
As a third example we can take George Frederickson study of public administration may be a useful
and Kevin Smith’s The Public Administration Theory Primer beginning to grasp what any study is about, as a kind of
(2003). This book specifically aims at providing an prolegomena, i.e. a ladder to climb to get an overview,
overview of the field, but focused on its major theories but one that is no longer helpful to arrive at criteria for
thematically, rather than methodologically: identifying what is relevant and what is not. This fits
with one of the possible meanings of ‘scope’
Theories of political control of bureaucracy mentioned in the dictionary: ‘an instrument’, ‘thing
Theories of Bureaucratic Politics looked at or through’ (as in telescope)’. It provides
Public Institutional Theory possibly important, yet contingent information, but
Theories of Public Management why some topics are regarded relevant rather than
Postmodern Theory others or some are more central remains unclear.
Decision Theory
Rational Choice Theory A dictionary definition likewise reveals other meanings
Theories of Governance for scope, such as ‘end aimed at’, ‘purpose’, ‘intention,’
‘outlook’, ‘range’, which in turn suggests the kind of
To this list, add ethics, as the authors explicitly indicate topics being taken into consideration is dependent
it is a topic left out of the book (so a legal and a history upon what we want to know in the first place. For
perspective are entirely out of the authors’ scope). As instance, to determine what is specifically ‘public’ about
before, similarities and differences can be noted with public administration requires that the meaning of
the other two. In this case the introduction of ’public’ can be identified. Scope thus combines ‘why,

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what and how’, obviously implying that discussing public administration, the aim is to improve upon
scope requires delving into ‘theory’, for theory also everyday observations and meanings, i.e. to improve
concerns these three questions. Put differently, what is our criteria for similarity and difference, our
considered the scope of the study of public assumptions and theories. An important aspect
administration is theoretically determined. As the required to be able to make improvements, is to realize
philosopher Karl Popper argued: theory precedes the nature of our observations and the meanings
observation: To state ‘observe’ makes no sense, unless applied. Perhaps three dichotomies, it will be later
there is an idea what to observe. That assumes some argued, are at the heart of our understanding of public
preliminary definition of public administration in order administration (politics & administration, public &
to be able to observe. We need first a theory, or at least private, and state & society). None of these provides
a definition, of public administration. Here we touch clear cut, let alone undisputed criteria for similarities
upon the notion of object constitution. and differences or rather, suggest semantic fields of
possible meanings.
Simply put, meaning is given to the phenomena by an
observer: colors, shapes, and the like. A common The object constitution concerns primarily a conceptual
starting point in modern epistemology is that there is no representation of reality and as such, constitutes the
given reality. There is always object constitution as actual ‘scope’ of the study, i.e. what is regarded as real:
Husserl named it, i.e. the recognition that human thought here ontology is the subject. The object of study provides
is constitutive for our understanding of the real. what can be regarded relevant for research, i.e. the object
Understanding and interpretation implies ordering, of cognition which comes closest to what ordinarily is
especially of relations (cf. John Dewey, 1981: 406). Many termed reality. To conclude these observations on the
different kinds of orderings are however possible, scope of the study, what becomes clear is that a field’s
especially when social reality is the object of inquiry. The scope is utterly intertwined with theories used. What
most basic tool for ordering is by learning to see phenomena, topics, or goals are regarded proper for the
similarities and differences, and thus to distinguish study of public administration depends upon our ideas
between the signals our senses register: similarity and about reality, i.e. about what constitutes public
difference constitutes the basic normative dichotomy administration. This brings us to a next concern: what is
enabling us to give meaning to our (bare) observations. theory? Before turning to this methodological question,
Thereby observers can distinguish among oak trees, let us first delve a bit more into the ontology of the study:
houses, food, strawberries, male and female, and so on. why is the concept of public administration so tricky to
Social phenomena are amongst the most complex to pin point to begin with?
identify. They are rarely directly observable at all:
bureaucracy, civil servant, due process, law, budget, and
planning processes, depend on a broad, complex
meaning. In an academic context, such as the study of

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4. Scope: The Study’s Ontology

We can best regard the concept of public administration
Conceptualizing Public Administration as acquiring its meaning within the context of another
related concept which it is closely linked to (perhaps
As indicated, many write about public administration as almost synonymous), as well as, opposed to and
if it is crystal-clear what 'public administration' is. differentiated from other concepts; i.e., what can be
Everyone knows what it is about, yet, when trying public called a semantic field. Thus the meaning of ‘public
administration we seem at a loss. In brief, it is difficult to administration’ will in part depend on what is regarded
establish what precisely is the subject matter of the study public, and private, or management, politics and
comprehensively: “there really is no such subject as administration.
‘public administration’, but rather (…) public
administration means different things to different In order to get some insight into the intricacies of the
observers and lacks a significant common theoretical or concept of public administration, and thus the ontology
applied meaning” (Rosenbloom, 1993: 5). It is of the study, we can focus attention on three pairs of
sometimes even regarded as indefinable (cf. Caiden, concepts that delineate its meaning(s): public and private,
1971: 3). Particularly in 1990’s American literature the state and society, and politics and administration. The
reader was bombarded with titles suggesting a re- three can perhaps be regarded founding dichotomies for
examination, refounding, new image, and the like, of the concept of public administration. Let us take a very
public administration. Perhaps this is not surprising as it brief look at all three of them.
is often argued that public administration is a complex
concept and has to be studied from a variety of Public & Private
disciplinary perspectives (legal, psychological, social,
economic, historical, political), and, what is more, that The similarities and differences of public and private
as a cultural phenomenon, its meaning depends on the (business) administration concerns an almost
linguistic and national context. unavoidable topic in textbooks on public administration.
The interpretation given to the differences has
The confusing nature of the meaning of public implications for ideas about people and organizations.
administration is due to many factors, ranging from the Based on the nature of the distinction authors, for
everyday use of `administration', `execution', example, argue for different core values guiding action,
`management', and `government' as interchangeable and and/or having a different relevance. Thus Lawton and
distinct. Dunsire (1973) devoted a book to the meaning Rose (1994: 18/19) claim that accountability is of greater
of `administration' and distinguished fifteen different importance in the public sector than in the private.
uses of the word. Even the original Latin verb
`administratio' already had two distinct meanings: `to A minimal difference put forward is, for instance, that
help, assist, or serve', and `to manage, direct, or govern'. the latter is focused on efficiency, while the former takes

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effectiveness as its prime value. Most authors thus put Politics and Administration
forward a set of characteristics to score public and
private administration on (cf. Starling 1986; Allison Traditionally the politics/administration dichotomy is
1992). A fundamental difference can be argued by referred to in the study of public administration as the
pointing at the prerequisite of public administration for founding dichotomy (see Overeem, 2010 for an in-depth
ensuring liberty, safety, and justice, requiring authoritative study of the debates on this). Simply put, the dichotomy’s
powers to keep private strive and action in check. A main contribution to the meaning of “public
regularly surfacing question is in what sense public administration” is to border off “administrative
administration actually is “public”? Debates usually are phenomena,” enabling us to distinguish between
framed in terms of opposing concepts such as “state” administrative and political (-legal) actions, and/or
versus “market”, or profit” versus “non-profit.” This is between administrative and political functionaries. This
at the heart of debates on “privatization”, “contracting has consequences for almost every topic in the discourse
out”, “political liberty of functionaries”, “democratic on public administration: responsibility, recruitment, the
administration”, “public management”, and policy-process, professionalism, democracy, bureaucracy,
“representative bureaucracy” (cf. Haque 1996; Luton, etc. We have to be careful, however, because there is no
1996). unanimity about what the distinction precisely refers to,
or if it is even tenable at closer examination.
Cleary the public/private divide is not a topic specific
to the study of public administration, but figures in all The roots of the politics/administration dichotomy can
social sciences. Jeff Weintraub therefore calls it the be traced back to the Cameralist and Police-science
“grand dichotomy”: a widespread organizing category traditions. The ideas were linked to attempts to adapt the
that means several things at once (Weintraub, 1997: 2). idea of a separation of powers, which was generally
He distinguished four approaches, each of them having conceived as insufficient to study administrative reality.
a long heritage and carrying powerful ideas about social This is also a core argument in Goodnow’s Politics and
reality. The different interpretations will result in Administration (1900), the first to really kick off modern
varying ideas about what public administration is or debates. Best known, however, is Wilson’s earlier attempt
should be. We have to ask, what meaning(s) of “public” to distinguish politics and administration, enabling him to
are available, dominant, or changing, and which of these refer to the “business of administration.” According to
are relevant to “public administration”? What are the the customary picture the dichotomy constitutes the
consequences of these alternative interpretations for foundations that “put the study on the map” in the
understanding and developing public administration? United States. Paradoxically, the dichotomy was,
however, also almost immediately attacked and the object
of debate. Today’s textbooks in public administration still
discuss the dichotomy through arguments showing it is
unrealistic, normatively unjustified, over simplistic, etc. It

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is perhaps surprising so many authors feel this lingering relation to state and society are, however, rare.
need to reject it “once again”, but perhaps it really is a Nevertheless, the literature on state and society in
founding concept for grasping the nature of public general, i.e. in political theory, is overwhelming (cf.
administration. Depending on the approach taken, it can Dyson, 1980).
be assigned different characteristics that may lead to its
acceptance or rejection. As such the dichotomy depends The opposition of state and society originates in 16th
upon other ideas about the nature of social reality. For century debates on the nature of “the state”, a label
instance, how it is related to the idea of the separation of used “to refer to the institutional apparatus
powers, or decision-making and judgment (cf. surrounding the ruler” (Manicas, 1987: 25). In
Nieuwenburg & Rutgers, 2001). It is vital to distinguish traditional state theory the state was regarded as a
between the use of the dichotomy in descriptive and sphere that is hierarchically placed over its subjects.
explanatory empirical research or in a more normative The monarch personified the state and governed by
(perhaps even ideological) context with prescriptive developing a polity for his subordinates. The notion of
intentions, or in terms of a constitutional principle “society” only was framed as late as the 19th century.
(Overeem, 2010). There are a host of questions still to Some consider Montesquieu as the first to use a kind of
being discussed, concerning the tenability of the state /society opposition, others point at Kant, but it is
dichotomy in general, the consequences of alternative plausible to attribute this honor to Hegel as he
approaches, and the coherence or incommensurability of explicitly distinguished “state” and “society” as two
diverging conceptualizations. distinct spheres of legitimate social action (Berki, 1979:
8). Hegel argued that the state has to guarantee the
State and Society individual’s existence, safety, and well-being. Although
safety and protection of the individual are the final
The third grand dichotomy underlying the construction goals of society, the state transcends this limited
of the concept of public administration concerns the perspective. The difference implies, for instance, that
relation between state and society. It positions public whereas relations in society are contractual, the state
administration as something “in between” the authority does not constitute a contractual relation (Hegel,
to make decisions (state) and the people that are to be 1821/1995: § 258). As the protector of the weaker in
administered (society). Although there is a vast society, the state is above the various competing
literature on the (nation) state, analyses of the concepts interests and has to intervene in the free play of the
for the notion of public administration are rare. forces of the market in order to guarantee a minimum
Although perhaps not immediately obvious to most standard of living for every individual. Hegel’s ideas
students of public administration, there is good case to entered the study of public administration for instance
be made to refer to the debates on administrative through the work of Lorenz Von Stein. He
theory as a “Great State Debate” (Stillman, 1991: 173). conceptualized “the working state” as a concept of
Discussions of the nature of public administration in public administration which influenced almost

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unnoticed the discourse on both sides of the Atlantic In the very brief description of the three dichotomies
(Miewald 1984; Van Riper 1983). we may notice an uneasy mix of social scientific and
legal concepts. There seems to be a incompatibilité
Of the three dichotomies, the state/society opposition d’humeur between the legal discipline with its normative
is perhaps the most difficult for students of public orientation to order society, and the variety of social
administration. This is due to two factors. First, there is (scientific) studies focusing on explaining empirical
relatively little appreciation in administrative discourse social reality. This is perhaps most visible with regard
of the dependence of our idea of public administration to the concept of state: Social scientists regard it
on the concept of state. Second, the idea of some kind (merely) a sub-system of society, whilst legal scholars
of cleft or opposition between state and society hardly regard the state as encompassing sovereignty and
seems to be noticed as a topic anymore as the two are morality: “The idea of the state stands in complete
simply presupposed as ‘interlocking’ somehow. Perhaps contrast to the notion of political institutions as neutral
the anti-state sentiments in the U.S. discourse hamper ‘transformatory’ structures processing ‘inputs’
taking this problem seriously, whilst pressing practical (demands and support) from the system's environment
issues tend to override conceptual scrutiny. As with the into ‘outputs’” (Dyson 1980: 230).
politics/administration dichotomy, we seem to be left
with a dichotomy we cannot abolish entirely, nor accept Continuing to attack the validity of the three founding
with all its connotations and patent difficulties in dichotomies is as much beside the point as it is unwise
representing social reality. to uncritically or dogmatically accept them and thus
ignore the varying meanings core concepts in the study
In recent literature the term governance is presented as of public administration do have. What is more, there is
comprehensively referring to the governing or mutual influence, overlap, and interdependence of the
administration of “state and society”. Governance three dichotomies. As a result there is no agreement on
seems to suggest an image of social reality where a the importance of these links, or the superiority of any
state/society bifurcation disappears. Once governance of the dichotomies. The same holds for the legal and
is so undifferentiated it seems unlikely it can replace social approach to conceptualizing public
“state and society” and/or “public administration”. It is administration that surface in the analysis of all three
therefore hardly surprising authors almost immediately dichotomies. To conclude this short outline of the
introduce a multitude of kinds of governance: private, problems and intricacies of the conceptualization of
public, even ‘government governance.’3 public administration, it can be noticed that the studies
subject matter – ‘ontology’- is perhaps more complex
and less straight forward as expected at first glance.
3
Cf "… governance without government…", but also: "… 
There is not some easily identifiable, set of
government without governance…" (Rosenau, 1992: 5), and  
“the role of government in governance”  (Pierre, 2000: 241).  characteristics, let alone some empirical phenomenon
  authors agree upon as constituting ‘public

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administration,’ i.e. as a specific kind or sphere of social intertwined, but the methodology prescribes the kind
action.4 As already referred to in the first section, Von of theories and methods of investigation that are
Stein already was well aware that establishing the nature accepted as valid. This is where the strength of
of public administration and what empirical academic research relies: the validity of truth claims
manifestations it can have presupposes an awful lot of relies on the methodology. Methodology constitutes a
(other) concepts and theories. touchstone for scientific truth; the logic to derive valid
conclusions, i.e., theories, from the established facts
5. Theory: The Methodology of the Study whereas the ontology includes statements made about
reality - facts - in the first place. Hardly surprising, a
The Methodological quandrum multiplicity of methodologies and methods6 abound
within the social sciences, and thus also in the study of
Every notion of object constitution and the conceptual public administration, all requiring quite different
nature of the object of study, i.e. the study’s scope, demands upon the construction of theories.
both signal that scope is ‘theory driven’. What is
accepted as reality, i.e. our ontology, depends on what The Nature of Theory
is regarded real, important, knowable, and the like,
bringing us to the counterpart of object constitution or Earlier a generalized fundamental description of theory
ontology: the methodology. A study is characterized by was advanced, almost amounting to the statement that
both its object of study and the ideas (and ideals) with all (more or less consistent) ideas about the nature of
regard to the best, correct and/or valid way of reality may be regarded as a theory in a very broad
studying, i.e. accepted and prescribed ways of
constructing, testing and changing theories. Any study established. So this is a dimension concerning the methodology of
always is characterized by both a specific ontology and sociology. The other dimension they distinguish deals with the
methodology (cf. Martin Hollis, 1994).5 The two are ontology, i.e. the nature of social reality (captured by them in
terms of ‘ sociology of radical change’ versus ‘ sociology of
regulation’). Denhardt adapted this very scheme to outline the
4 state of the art in the study of public administration, using
 The discussion on the nature of ‘national’ traditions in the 
‘political ‘ versus’ organizational’ as characterization of the ideas
development of public administration as described in Painter & 
on the ontology of the study. In principle the two dimensions thus
Peters (2010) underlines the local context of our  distinguished allow for four combinations. However, enlightening
conceptualizations.    as such an ordering is, it also implies a simplification, perhaps
5 oversimplification. The different ideas about the nature of the
 The combination of ontology and methodology has been pin object of study is probably more complex than the political versus
pointed by many philosophers and sociologist of science. For organizational allows for. For instance, where would a ‘legal’
instance Burrel and Morgan, in their study on the nature of orientation fit?
sociology distinguished on the one hand between subjective and
objective approaches, i.e. between those adhering to an 6
 Methods refers here to specific techniques for gathering facts
interpretative, hermeneutic and a more naturalistic or positivistic such as interviews, document analysis, surveys, case study research,
methodology. The former claiming that subjectivity is a part of the and so on. 
object constitution, the latter claiming that objective facts can be

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sense. Perhaps the only additional prerequisite was that theory and scope of the study, a metaperspective is
it provides some kind of context for explanation. An needed. Both arguments result in rejecting in advance a
opposite of such a very broad and hardly discriminating fixed theory of theory, i.e. of choosing a specific
concept of theory are detailed and much more methodology or ontology.
demanding definitions of what may count as an
acceptable scientific theory: “A scientific theory is an Naturalism
attempt to bind together in a systematic fashion the
knowledge that one has of some particular aspect of the For simplicity, we can distinguish between two major
world of experience. The aim is to achieve some form of approaches to theory: the naturalistic approach and the
understanding, where this is usually cashed out as interpretative. To start with the former, the basic idea
explanatory power and predictive fertility” (Ted of naturalism is that theories fill a full range of specific
Honderich, 1995, p. 870). From the days of the ancient criteria, the most important one being that theories are
Greeks through twentieth century logical empiricism, in principle universal in application. Theories are in fact
ideas of theory as a ‘hypothetical-deductive system’ has the attempts to explain observed regularities or laws.
been developed; i.e. that a theory should start from They enable us to argue from contingent observation
established axioms and hypothesis on the basis of which to universal knowledge. For example, Newton’s claims
all explanations can be deduced: “Explanation is thus a of observation that there is a ‘law of gravity’; again and
matter of showing how things happened because of the again an object’s ‘fall’ is explained by means of a theory
laws of the theory” (Honderich, 1995, p. 871). Many of gravity stating that object attract one another and
argued for this specific sort of theory, perhaps only that the earth (a pretty big object) will attract an apple
suitable for the natural sciences, not for social sciences (a small one, so the former appears to fall towards the
and humanities at all. Such one-of-a-kind notion of latter). Theories thus enable us to explain and, what is
theory excludes other ideas of for comprehending the more, to predict as theories are supposed to express
nature and workings of reality. Yet, it is beyond this causal relations. The focus on causal explanations, i.e.
analysis to extensively delve into all the different in terms of causes and effects, makes explanation and
methodologies and philosophies of the social sciences prediction, or description and prescription, symmetrical
in order to establish the numerous possible meanings according to this methodology. That is, if a
of ‘theory’ in philosophy of the social sciences. phenomenon can be explained in terms of its causes,
Nevertheless, some theorizing over theory is necessary prediction what will happen in every case a specific
to establish what it is and what consequences different cause is present is therefore possible. From this logic
views on scientific theory can have for the study of derives so called positivistic claims, i.e. the idea that
public administration. Noted at the beginning, starting science can help improve society for it can offer the
point here can be that the study of public means to predict and thus establish courses of action.
administration is or aims to be interdisciplinary. What is For this reason, an ability to predict, i.e., the predictive
more, in order to obtain an overview of the possible power of a theory, is regarded an important

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characteristic of a good theory. Positivist theories are with actual observations on how the sciences in reality
closely related to universal statements or laws, or also work (cf. Honderich, 1995, p. 871)
called the nomothetical methodology (nomos = law),
the hypothetical-deductive system or deductive- Within naturalistic methodology also different kinds of
nomological methodology. Deduction from hypotheses theory may be distinguished. They are in part indicative
explain what is happening by subsuming a case under for some of the problems related to this methodology.
the regularity captured by theory. Earlier quotes from Anatol Rapoport (1958) provides four meanings of
Ted Honderich exemplified this methodology. A final theory in the sciences, two specifically fit here. First,
observation in this extremely brief outline of positivism theory in the exact sciences is primarily a collection of
it is referred to as naturalistic for this methodology theorems, i.e., statements about empirical reality that
claims to describe, explain and predict what reality is are (to some extend) verifiable. Strictly speaking, a
like. What is more, positivism does so objectively, i.e. theorem is a proposition that logically derives from
without being confounded by values. All sciences definitions and other propositions. The general idea is
supposedly adhere to such a methodology in order to that some terms used by science reference outside
be regarded “true” sciences of least according to those language and are empirically verifiable.
subscribing to this methodology. In fact, in the English
language the label ‘science’ is commonly restricted to A second meaning of theory Rapoport illustrates by
studies adhering to this philosophy of the sciences. In means of pendulum theory (‘law’) in physics; there are
the study of public administration, the best known many discrepancies between the theory and the realized
adherent to this unique definition of methodology is motion of a pendulum. A generally accepted theory
Herbert Simon. His focus is on facts and values are thereby takes as its starting point a number of
outside any discussion of scientific study. Values are obviously not real assumptions, such as absence of
considered out of the sphere of the sciences because friction: “In return for sacrificing precision … he [ the
they are not objectively verifiable. physicist] gains simplicity and, what is more important,
he gets at the fundamentals … of the situation”
Naturalistic theory is widely accepted, and is as much (Rapoport, 1958, p. 975). Ultimately, in physics the aim
disputed. Its core theories prove not to be as integrated is to describe a theory in a formal mathematical
and deductive as required. Also the importance of language, referring to a highly idealized world.
prediction is downplayed. More semantic approaches to
theory argue that theories are much more like A major problem is that many key concepts in theories
‘theoretical models’ capturing aspects of experience. A are difficult to express in empirically verifiable terms.
major difference between the traditional idea of scientific In this case well known examples are length, time and
theory aims at prescription, whereas modern schools mass. The problems of being able to clearly define key
regard theory primarily a means for description in accord variables increases when going from physics to the
social sciences. In the latter many concepts originate in

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common sense. For example in definitions of ‘crime’ or explanation, versus understanding, i.e. so called reason-
‘religion’; a scientific definition may be at odds with explanations. An underlying idea is that reasons are not
what people (the object of study) regards as crime or considered simply causes, for these would possess
religious. There are also often no sharp criteria causes in turn, and so on. The latter, it is sometimes
available, thus Peter Winch wonders, “How many argued, would have serious implication for the
grains of wheat does one have to add together before possibility of morality and responsibility. Also laws or
one has a heap?” (Winch, 1988, p.73), indicating that law-like explanations are generally regarded of less
within the social sciences, theories must to take into importance, i.e. for understanding may be specific to
account the common meanings used by people. Here time and place (such as ‘Why did Caesar cross the
we touch upon the so-called issues of double Rubicon?’). Another way of expressing the difference
hermeneutics. Whereas in physics scientists are more or between naturalism and interpretative approach is that
less free to define concepts, in the social sciences, the former approaches reality externally, while the latter
language and meanings become themselves very much attempts to understand what goes on internally, i.e.
part of the object of study. Rapoport points at a call for within a person’s mind. Another important difference
consensus amongst scholars, yet even rudimentary is that the hermeneutic methodology rejects the
concepts such as ‘social action’ defy any agreed possibility of objective observation; all observation, or
consensus. Different interpretations of social action, in at least explanation and interpretation is somehow
turn, will have serious consequences for theories about ‘theory driven.’ This can be illustrated by the problem
social reality (Rapoport, 1958, p. 980). Such concerns of double hermeneutics: in the natural sciences
become even more complicated when fellow scientists chose concepts to describe and explain
researchers move outside their sphere of expertise for physical reality and thus interpret the observed
in society ‘bureaucracy’, ‘leadership’, and so on have all phenomena. In social sciences and humanities scientists
kinds of connotations a typical researcher has no must interpret human interpretations. As a
control over. consequence, observed social reality may actually
change based on resulting interpretations (or even
Hermeneutics simply observing people may change their behavior).7
Human action is very much knowledge driven in the
Any other methodological stance can be referred to as first place. What is more, choice of terms and concepts
interpretative or hermeneutic and is commonly
7 This is not entirely the same problem as in the Natural Sciences,
outlined in opposition to naturalistic methodology.
where the method of observation is known to possibly influence
Here the focus is not so much on causal explanation. observations, for it is only the scientist actions that influence the
Its starting point is not external, objective observation, observation, not an interaction between scientist and the
interpretation of the observed phenomena. Yet, there are
but seeks internally to understand what the reasons are interesting comparisons to be drawn here, in particular relating to
for (human) action. Sometimes this difference is the so-called agent-structure problem in the ontology of the social
expressed in terms of a focus on explanation, i.e. causal sciences (cf. Jochoms & Rutgers, 2006).  

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is not simply up to the researcher, for in social reality normative ideas are likewise intertwined. Rapoport cites
concepts already exist. Only to some extent can a as a case in point Galileo Galilei’s general law of falling
researcher define what is accepted behavior, i.e. what is bodies, according to him, would never have developed
religion, politics, or such concepts, containing meaning if Galileo took facts seriously, for most falling bodies,
only within social reality itself, an issue that Rapoport such as leaves, never follow the idealized pattern of
referred to earlier. The third kind of theory he falling (i.e., straight down): “Galileo’s was, in a way, a
discussed relates to hermeneutic methodology, one normative theory. It described not how bodies fell but
dealing with the “intuitive understanding of social how they ought to fall under idealized conditions”
behavior” (Rapoport, 1958, p. 981). It should be noted (Rapoport 1958, p. 983). More generally speaking, the
that Rapoport does not regard this methodology so called ‘ceteris paribus’ clauses (‘other conditions
adequate. It takes the previous concerns a lot further, than those taken into consideration unchanged’) that
and assumes ‘reasons’, i.e. the motivations and drives accompany all theories, express an idealized, normative
of humans are different from causal explanations. foundation of theories. A moral kind of normativity is
Further, Rapoport points out, the ideal of thus implied by stating what kind of public
generalizations, let alone ‘laws’, is no longer taken as administration should be favored. In the latter case,
the core concern. One example can be drawn from the unavoidably ideals about humanity and society are
historical study of trying to unravel Alexander involved.
Hamilton’s motives for a particular kind of
administration a researcher in this instance is not Although the hermeneutic approach may have the
primarily interested in tracing universal explanations, stronger position in so far as it may seem to encompass
but to the contrary, aims at understanding why and naturalistic methodologies, clearly from the onset it
how Hamilton in his specific situation developed his lacks precision. Put differently, whereas naturalism may
ideas and ideals. Clearly, other authors8 will argue claim and demand more of theories than ultimately is
‘reasons’ and causes’ are indeed not to be confounded. perhaps tenable, the hermeneutic approach lacks
criteria for a “good” or “successful” theory almost
Finally, Rapoport points out a fourth meaning of entirely, i.e., lacks, if not principled rejects, actual
theory as ‘normative theory’. Normative theory is most methodological criteria (cf. Hollis, 1995). A point
evident in political theory as well as within public certainly valid from a more positivistic perspective, but
administration because it does not fit a positivist also very much a hermeneutic principle as Hans-Georg
methodology approach at all. Such theory attempts to Gadamer famously argued that truth and method are
develop a framework for researching ‘the best kind of irreconcilable (Gadamer, 1972). The best available
administration’. However, within physics a lot of examples are the hermeneutic circle (‘the whole is
needed to explain the parts, and the parts are needed to
8Including myself, but this is not the place to argue a specific  explain the whole’), as well as, Gadamer’s notion of the
methodology.  ‘melting of horizons’, what (over simplistically stated)

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amounts to the requirement that interpretations should however, go way beyond the scope of this argument.
overlap with the original meanings somehow, or the What should be observed here is that ideas about what
idea that interpretations should at least be contextually is a (scientific) theory depend upon the methodology
verifiable or reproducible.9 an author adheres to. Quarrels about what kind of
theory students of public administration should look
Debates for turns ultimately on the ideas about what constitutes
scientific research to begin with. Within the study of
Within these two major categories of naturalism and public administration a couple of famous debates can
hermeneutics many more specific methodological to a large extend be reduced to such methodological
stances can be distinguished (such as phenomenology, differences, even though the authors in question may
scientific realism, among others). Thus ‘critical theory’ not explicitly make such assumptions clear. For
can be regarded a variant of hermeneutics, i.e. an instance, Simon versus Waldo, and Golembiewski
explicit emancipatory impulse demanded of scholars. versus Ostrom, and in more recent years debates
For instance, some argue that rejecting naturalistic between ‘mainstream’ authors and ‘postmodernists’.
objectivity should result in an explicit normative stance Some authors, however, explicitly discuss the
of scientists to aid the underprivileged, whereas advantages and disadvantages of different
generally science supports the interest of the elite and methodologies (Jay White 1986; Frank Fischer, 1990,
the wealthy. Also most so called post-modernists fit pp 240 e.v.).
within the hermeneutic methodology. Though building
on the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Michel Finally, fuzziness, if not sloppiness, are inherent within
Foucault, they point to the linguistic nature of all the discussions on the methodology of the study of
knowledge, all discourse, and regard knowledge (and public administration. Some authors reject positivism,
rationality) which is bounded by its local context. A yet nevertheless stick to the ideas about the
most extreme stance is Jacques Deridat, who even requirements of theory espoused by it. Often
rejects the universality of the requirement to be postmodernism is ‘adhered to’ seemingly as an excuse
consistent. One may object that this makes all claims to not to elaborate on methodological starting points.
knowledge and truth empty. On the other hand within Conversely, certain authors may adhere to a naturalistic
the naturalistic framework Karl Popper already argued stance as their methodological approach, yet at the
what may be said as relativistic, i.e. that we can have same time refer to (Kuhnian) paradigms as
either truth or certainty, never both. These matters, characterizing the development of the study over the
decades. Probably most clearly this occurs in
9
 However it should be noted that there are also authors in the area discussions of the possibility of an interdisciplinary
interpretative research that do argue specific methods for theory
construction. In my opinion, this usually implies a rejection of what is
study of public administration; which is the topic of the
at the heart of hermeneutics and a recurring to positivistic ideas (cf. next section.
Winch, 1988).  

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The Issue of Interdisciplinarity Similarly, rarely is attention limited to merely economic,
psychological, or sociological theories in order to
Specific issues of relevance to the study of public explain or ‘solve’ an administrative dilemma. In brief,
administration concern the ability to compare, combine the call for Interdisciplinarity arises from the practical
or even integrate different approaches. A call for the necessity to cope with social problems which require
study of public administration to become many different sources or disciplines input. This
interdisciplinary is as old as the study, which can be derived perspective from administrative practice was as
traced in the eclectic attempts of 18th century relevant three hundred years ago as it is today.
Cameralists and policy scholars efforts to bring However, cogency increased due to the specialization
together all knowledge considered relevant for running within the sciences, i.e. the fragmentation of our
the state. For example, Lorenz von Stein’s late 19th knowledge (cf. Jos Raadschelders, 2008).
century attempt to create an all encompassing ‘Science
of administration’ (Verwaltungswissenschaft), or in the There is also a more theoretical argument: the sciences
early 20th century Research Bureau Movement, sought today seek more consistent and coherent theories than
to merge various administrative approaches. However, any time before. Starting from the assumption that
after WW II explicit calls for interdisciplinary research there is one reality, integrating knowledge and
were made and the nature of interdisciplinary research overcoming inconsistencies, to arrive at an all-
became a major academic topic of special concern. In encompassing knowledge: ‘unified theory’ was the
this section the basic ideas on interdisciplinarity are positivistic phrase for this idea. It implies scientists
discussed as they (obviously) have a bearing on the want to overcome the differences and specialization of
kind of theory allowed and strived for. Before delving disciplines just as much as practitioners. However, it
into the more theoretical underpinnings of this topic, may not be necessarily self-evident that the practical
some remarks on the arguments in favor of and theoretical arguments for unification have the same
Interdisciplinarity have to be taken into consideration. implications for the development of theory: the
practical need for unified theory demands arriving at
Why the Call for Unification? concrete knowledge of how to resolve a problem.
Theoretical requirements, on the other hand, aim for
That students of public administration attempt to more encompassing, i.e., more abstract, theories to
integrate a variety of approaches seems self-evident at explain how different theories conceptually can be
first glance. Interdisciplinary theory is needed as integrated.
administrative problems are rarely specific or limited
enough to be captured adequately by one theoretical
approach. Few nowadays consider administrative
problems simply legal issues, as was the dominant idea
in Europe between mid 19th until mid 20th century.

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The Disciplinary Paradox10
The most well known example of attempting to apply
A catchphrase for arriving at unified knowledge is paradigmatic theory to envisioning the evolution of the
‘interdisciplinarity’. Theories developed within various study of public administration is Vincent Ostrom's
specialized scientific disciplines should somehow link Intellectual Crisis in American Public Administration (1974).
together and be unified to create a coherent, more Ostrom explicitly states that a paradigmatic crisis exists
encompassing theory that, in turn, will assist to more within the field and that a "Kuhnian" revolution could
comprehensively or better understand the nature of resolve this state of affairs. Indeed his book attempts
administrative reality. What then is interdisciplinarity? consciously to develop a new paradigm for the field.
To begin first, briefly, we should consider the nature of Ostrom explicitly cites Kuhn as providing his
disciplines, and then turn to associated terms such as philosophical source.
multi- and interdisciplinarity. Though, before delving
into the meaning of discipline, a closely related, but In Kuhn’s sociological theory of sciences, a paradigm
actually rather specific theory will be discussed: the consists of a fundamental scientific study, with a theory,
theory of scientific paradigms. open questions, and examples of doing research.11 Once
accepted by a group of scientists it can be only then
“Paradigm” is widely used in the study of public regarded as a scientific paradigm. As a paradigm
administration. Usually the term is used to denote a encompasses an ontology and methodology, it
specific, more or less coherent way of viewing constitutes a closes system for giving meaning to reality
administrative reality. Authors discussing various as well as for evaluating theories. For scientist, Kuhn
paradigms usually apply a different ontology and writes; "Their paradigm tells them about the sorts of
(probably) methodology for studying public entities with which the universe is populated and about
administration. For instance Nicolas Henry discusses the the way the members of that population behave: in
development of the study in terms of newly emerging addition, it informs them of the questions that may
paradigms (Henry, 1989). The term denotes as such legitimately be asked about nature and of the techniques
perhaps nothing special. Etymologically it simply means that can properly be used in search for answers to them"
‘example’. Thus ‘paradigmatic’ research serves as an (Kuhn, 1972: 86). An integral part of Kuhn's theory – but
example for others, indicating what they consider a often overlooked - is that a paradigm is not established
proper way of doing research. The term does however over night, it has a history and exists for quite awhile
possess a much more specific and probably more before it is recognized as such. Kuhn actually stresses
important connotation: Thomas Kuhn famously used the that only with hindsight can existence of a paradigm be
term as to refer to specific approaches in the sciences and identified. It is not something than can be planned. Once
to explain how sciences develop.
11 IsaacNewton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687)
10 This section is based primarily on Rutgers (1994)  being a classic example of such a study. 

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a field of study developed a paradigm, it can be defined improve the status of their field by first legislating
as a fully developed science, and thereby rational progress agreement on fundamentals and then turn to puzzle
becomes possible. solving, they are badly misconstruing my point" (Kuhn,
1970: 245). On several occasions Kuhn highlights that his
As a paradigm is an accepted, more or less closed system theory is hardly applicable to the social sciences as they
of knowledge that gives meaning to reality, according to are at best only partial parallels to be found among them
Kuhn, it is almost impossible to comprehend what (mainly in psychology).
scientists within another paradigm addresses because a
paradigm is exclusive for its followers. This aspect of Like Ostrom, Robert Golembiewski (1977) draws upon
Kuhn's theory is not undisputed and should perhaps be Kuhn's theory to analyze the development of the field.
relaxed. Nevertheless, this perspective underscores that a Contrary to Ostrom, Golembiewski does not call for a
paradigm is not something easily accepted or rejected. In new comprehensive paradigm, but rather argues against
fact people spend years at university to learn it, "paradigmatic closure" (Golembiewski, 1977: 42).
thoroughly, and paradigms can be completely at odds Instead, students of the field should develop sub- or
with one another about the nature of reality and of mini-paradigms. Thus, Ostrom, Golembiewski, and
research (and thus about ‘theory’): what he calls Henry take as their fundamental philosophy of science
incommensurable (i.e. beyond comparison). Once a Kuhn's theory, yet their diagnoses and prescriptions are
paradigm has been established, over time disputes arise hardly reconcilable within a theory. Golembiewski even
due to inherent problems it cannot deal with (so called acknowledges this when he writes: "As straightforward as
anomalies). Ultimately this rejection may result in a so it seems, however, Kuhn's view of scientific development
called "revolutionary phase" in which one paradigm is a questionable guide." (p.208). None of the three deal
succeeds by another after a competitive period. Ironically with the problem of incommensurability closely
as rationality is possible only within a paradigm (as it associated with paradigm theory, therefore attaining true
contains the very criteria for a science relative what is interdisciplinarity particularly problematic. But let us first
regarded rational discourse), transition between turn to the concept this paragraph started with:
paradigms is itself not rational. discipline.

Since its original formulation Kuhn’s theory received Kuhn himself is not clear on the relation between his
both fierce support, plus intense criticism in the notion of paradigm and the meaning of a scientific
philosophy and sociology of the sciences. Its importance discipline. He does write about a "set of paradigms"
continues because many still use the term in reference to (1970: 272) within a discipline, but in his later work (i.e.
Kuhn. In particular, it ought to be noted that he regards form 1973 onwards) replaces "paradigm" by "disciplinary
‘paradigm’ a descriptive concept. Kuhn rejects matrix." Suffice to say, both terms are often
prescriptive use of his theory explicitly: "If (...) some exchangeable and both figure in many disputes about the
social scientists take from me the view that they can study of public administration. Concepts of paradigm

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and discipline to a large extent are treated as ideas and regulations for research that have to be learned
synonymous, although we have seen, in Kuhn’s theory and adhered to by participants. This implies that within
‘paradigm’ possesses a precise meaning. "Discipline", by the discipline certain ways of thinking and reasoning are
contrast, usually carries a greater authority and approved of, others not; some phenomena are regarded
respectability than "paradigm." as real and/or important, others not. As Rapoport puts
it: “‘discipline’" means constraint on the mode of
No unanimity concerning the disciplinary status of the thought. It prescribes a repertoire of concepts, the
study of public administration exists. For instance Waldo patterns of classification, the rules of evidence, and the
rejects it, whereas others write books about "the state of etiquette of discourse" (1958, p.972). Just like a paradigm,
the discipline" (cf. Lynn & Wildavsky, 1990). Whether or a discipline supposedly determines how research is
not the study of public administration is a discipline or carried out, warrants the acceptability, and signifies
not, depends obviously on what is considered significance of its statements and conclusions. A
characteristic of a discipline. In a loose sense the term discipline in this methodological sense is probably rare
can merely indicate that there are organizational units in within the social sciences. Stephen Toulmin (1972)
the universities called ‘public administration’, employing argues that physical sciences, the legal profession, and
professors in public administration, with journals and engineering traditions can be regarded disciplines in this
conferences, altogether making up a discipline. In a strict sense. He regards the social sciences "would be
stricter sense discipline refers to a coherent body of disciplines" as there is limited agreement on specific
knowledge, with shared (ontological and methodological) methodologies or on the nature of society, i.e., there is a
assumptions; in brief, the stuff Kuhn attributed to a plurality in ‘learnings’ rather than discipline of thought
paradigm. The two can also be mixed up in the same uniting social science scholars. Factors Toulmin
phrases such as ‘public administration is an mentions as hampering the development of a discipline
interdisciplinary discipline.’ Thus, Robert Denhardt are probably familiar to students of public administration:
writes about the study as a discipline, with a "tremendous a great variety and complexity of objects of research,
richness and complexity", which "lacks a sense of absence of common concepts used for structuring the
identity" (1990, p. 43). study, and lack of fully developed methods for resolving
problems. Toulmin emphasizes: "The crucial element in a
Leaving aside a more ‘organizational’ definition, what collective discipline... is the recognition of a sufficiently
does discipline mean, what, if we look at “it” from the agreed goal or ideal, in terms of which common
perspective that refers to knowledge production, i.e. as a outstanding problems can be identified" (Toulmin, 1972,
methodological or epistemological concept? Basically, the p.364). At the beginning of this introduction, as Waldo
term equates with what discipline also refers to as in the pointed out the study of public administration lacks
case of, for instance, sports, or the military: a clear, precisely such unity and thus ended up in its present-day
comprehensive set of rules and regulations for control ‘crisis of identity’.
and obedience. A scientific discipline consists of a set of

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There are perhaps good reasons to relax the notion of Images of an Integrated Study of Public Administration
discipline somewhat in its application for customary
every day discourse. Yet, what remains central is the idea Before delving further into the more philosophical
that within a discipline, even if in usage less strict, debates on interdisciplinarity or the integration of
meaning of statements (the validity of research and theories, let us consider what efforts so far were
conclusions) is ensured. This, however, results in what is undertaken to conceptualize the study of public
called ‘the disciplinary paradox’: if we describe the social administration by some of its leading scholars. Roughly
sciences in terms of disciplines, interdisciplinarity three approaches to the study of public can be
becomes problematic. The attractiveness of developing a distinguished. The first group of authors search for a
discipline is that it provides a firm basis for legitimizing single foundation for the study. The second argue for a
theories as well as their claim to knowledge (‘scientific kind of unity within diversity, or diversity despite unity.
truth’). Interdisciplinarity then by definition implies The third alternative takes this further by seeking
stepping outside the safety of a discipline. In fact, identity through heterogeneity.
interdisciplinarity becomes more or less a contradiction in
terminus. For this reason, Lewis Mainzer opposes what he The first approach is currently the dominant and most
regards as a movement of the study of public heterogenic group because authors locate possibilities
administration toward interdisciplinary (1994, p.365). for unity from widely diverse sources. Three examples
Once the social sciences are analyzed in terms of serve as illustrations. First, Dwight Waldo attempted to
disciplines (or paradigms for that matter), formulate one response to the crisis of identity of
interdisciplinary becomes almost by definition an public administration by advancing the concept of a
unattractive alternative due to the inherent lack the profession: “My own conclusion is that the most
"scientific rigor" of a discipline. An alternative is to promising, and perhaps, in fact, necessary, line of
eliminate the word ‘interdisciplinarity’ entirely, and refer development is found in adopting a professional
to the integration of theories. In any case perhaps wisdom perspective” (Waldo, 1968, p. 9); “It is not united by a
needs to be exercised when care applying the unreflected single theory, but is justified and given direction by a
idea of discipline to the social sciences (despite Mainzer’s broad social purpose” (p.10). However, Waldo is well
statement: "A good professional or a good amateur aware that a professional perspective is supposed to build
respects discipline; a dilettante, a fadist, or an opportunist upon training in a specific discipline to begin with. He
does not." (p. 365). But then, we may wonder what therefore concludes that perhaps it is a matter of “let's-
counts as a scientific discipline in the social sciences in act-like-a-profession-even-though-we-can't-be-one.”
the first place. (Waldo in Brown & Stillman, 1986, p. 105). Perhaps not
a very satisfactorily solution due to it’s self-contradictory
nature.12

12 Later Waldo came to refer to the study as an ‘enterprise’.

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Whereas Waldo in a sense aims at a single ideational’ or developed in later years. His approach is questionable
perhaps even verbal unity or coherence under since it fails to encompass all theories as originally
professional terminology, most authors aim at a more claimed; Rather, has social systems become simply one
substantive unity in terms of an overarching theory. more addition to the increasing fragmentation of existing
Niklas Luhmann and Vincent Ostrom a second knowledge about public administration?
alternative exemplify. To start with the latter, in one of
his early works, the German systems theoretician Vincent Ostrom takes yet an other normative stance in
Niklas Luhmann specifically examines the founding the his The Intellectual Crisis in American Public Administration
study of public administration (‘Verwaltungs- (1974). A specific theory of ‘democratic administration’
wissenschaft’). Luhmann points out three fundamental serves in his view as a sound basis for studying public
problems for creating a modern study of public administration in the United States. To what extent this
administration: the fragmentation of knowledge on the theory can be applied elsewhere is not really his
subject matter, the cleft between normative and concern. Ostrom looks for normative starting points
empirical research, and a capability to formulate a for studying public administration by analyzing the
theory that can encompass the complexities of public American constitution and the work of early the
administration. According to him, systems theory may ‘founding fathers’ such as Hamilton and Madison, as
adequately resolve these issues (Luhmann, 1966, p. 64). well as Tocqueville. A combination of political theory
Systems theory embraces a normative structure that along with a public choice perspective forges his
individuals apply to reduce complex reality into a dominant methodology, resulting in a new paradigm for
controllable reality. From a systems perspective, public the study of public administration. As is the case with
administration is a complexity reduction mechanism for Luhmann, there are followers, but clearly Ostrom’s ideas
authoritative decisionmaking in every society did not become a widely accepted paradigm.
(Luhmann, 1966, pp. 69-70). All other approaches to
public administration can be reframed or reduced to an All three approaches are inherently reductionist:
idea of system rationality, i.e., their contribution to the Waldo’s reduces the study to a ‘profession’. Unique as
continuity of a system in its context. Accordingly, the it implies he does not seek to establish a theoretical
cleft between the normative and the empirical becomes unity. Luhmann and Ostrom exemplify what is more
resolvable by an acknowledgement that a system’s common, formulating an encompassing theoretical or
normative roots (in terms of its rules, interactions, and normative perspective by arguing that all other
so on), has to be accepted as a social fact by approaches can (or should) by subsumed under either
researchers (`the normativity of the factual’ Luhmann, systems or public choice theory. None, however,
1966, p. 116). Although systems theory has many became accepted or succeeded in dominating
proponents, Luhmann’s way of unifying the study has administrative sciences so far nor are they likely to in
generally not found wide-spread acceptance at least not the foreseeable future.
necessarily in line with Luhmann’s elaborate theory

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The second cluster of authors offers room for diversity unification, particularly the variety of images of
in approaches, yet also tries to find unity without humanity that authors assume; i.e. ontological
reducing the acknowledged needed diversity to a single differences that cannot be simply bridged by one
starting point. Robert Golembiewski and Aris Van theory.
Braam illustrate this.
Both Golembiewski and Van Braam indicate that as
Golembiewski (1977) distinguishes, what he calls, three soon as diversity in the social sciences is taken seriously
mini-paradigms in the study of public administration the by authors, stipulating an encompassing theory
Traditional Paradigm; the Social-Psychological Paradigm; becomes increasingly complicated. Both, in a sense, aim
and the Humanist/Systemic Paradigm. Its focus should for unity, but are keenly aware of the difficulties that
not be on the development of a single theoretical core must be overcome, in order to establish an overarching
for the study, but rather on specific abilities and methodology and ontology; Both consider this gap too
technologies to solve problems: “A viable centre for wide to bridge.
public administration may eventuate from the success of
public administrationists in dealing with several such A third group takes matters even a bit further by
positions of the circumference” (Golembiewski, 1977, p. abolishing even the idea of any possible future
216). Golembiewski calls to ‘just do it’. In the end, this theoretical unity. Contemporary administrative study is
perspective may result in some shared core. In rather characterized as inherently heterogenic:
opposition to Ostrom, his approach is anti-paradigmatic. fragmentation is not something to be solved in any
What remains open, however, is how even by focusing definitive way. Even more than their previous authors,
on more limited, specific, practical topics different the starting point is in a meta-theory of the study, i.e.,
approaches can be unified, let alone how the resulting an interpretation of the nature of social science and
mini-paradigms (whatever they are) eventually are interdisciplinarity, rather than focusing on any the
unified. development of a specific (empirical or normative)
theory providing an all-encompassing ontology and
Aris Van Braam (who only published in Dutch) is methodology for the study. Klaus König and Jos
interesting as he explicitly discusses the development of Raadschelders serve as good examples (and my own
the study of public administration from an eclectic approach as a differentiated study likewise fits here).
attempt to unify theories by means of developing a But first the French authors Jacques Chevalier and
multi- and eventually interdisciplinary study. Van Danièle Loschak can illustrate the diagnosis underlying
Braam avoids speculating on the content of the these approaches.
possible theories that will result, but rather begins with
the existing diversity in the study which should be Chevalier and Lochak regard the study of public
mapped. What is more, he is aware that there are administration so fragmented that they question its status
different normative ideas that may block all efforts at of being regarded a singular study: the study defies all

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attempts to look for a core. Chevalier and Loschak Finally, Jos Raadschelders who also takes the issue of
conclude that attempts to establish a unifying study the integration of theories as a central issue for the
should be abandoned; rather its heterogeneity should be study of public administration: how to arrive at (some)
accepted (Chevalier & Lochak, 1987, p. 27). Klaus König coherence in the multiplicity of relevant studies on
picks up on their analysis by seeking to establish what public administrative phenomena? “The identity crisis
philosophy and sociology of the social sciences which of public administration has an academic or
can support such an understanding of administrative epistemological (theory and method) as well as an
science. König’s study is by far the most thorough study existential dimension (discipline or sub-field in other
discussed so far. He argues that there are a number of discipline) that are further compounded by an identity
integrative theories existing next to each other, and that crisis in the real world of public administration or
the (ordinary) scientist will not be able to break through government” (Raadschelders, 2003). He outlines four
barriers between them. This does, however, not imply reasons for such compartmentalization of knowledge
that König regards any integration of theories impossible. about public administration ranging from simple
His insight that ‘disciplinary’ approaches do not suffice to specialization and work division to a profound
understand administrative problems adequately (both fragmentation of Western thought, as well as four types
theoretically and practically), actually demands that we of integration of knowledge, from professional to a
look for ways to bridge differences. Konig distinguishes unified science (Raadschelders, 2000). The types of
four approaches, or `knowledge interests’ relevant for fragmentation can be connected to types of integration.
public administration that may integrate theories: an Ultimate integration is impossible in his view “The fact
orientation on norms (normativity); on facts (reality); on that contesting frameworks of reference exist does not
possibilities (potentiality) and on aspiration (ideality). The leave much hope that unity of knowledge in public
first coincides with a legal approach to public administration, or in the social sciences at large, can be
administration; the others fit more within the social achieved.” (p. 207). The best available alternative would
sciences and political theory. What remains is a be, according to Raadschelders, differentiated
multiplicity of ‘administrative sciences.’ In order to integration: “This is … still not an integration at a
integrate theories and knowledge some kind of theoretical level, but rather an integration around either
framework or system of reference (`Bezugssystem') is an organization of the field or around a conceptual approach
required. According to König, this approach cannot be to the field.” (p. 206).13 It implies that integration and
encompassing or ‘ultimate’, but should consider more or coherence might potentially achieved by starting from a
less as a meta-theory, provided that the concepts and explicit unifying conceptualization. Raadschelders does
norms selected will integrate relevant knowledge. Thus so himself, for instance, in his textbook Government; a
selection and integration is not random or eclectic in Public Administration Perspective: “various disciplines and
nature, but guided by a specific perspective (König, 1980,
p. 39). He signals in particular decision theory as a
fundamental basis for such future development.
13 Raadschelders ideas are very similar to my own, see later on).

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specializations that study, among other subjects, Delusion or Differentiated Study?
government” (Raadschelders, 2003b).14
As we have seen previously, once the sciences are
To conclude this brief outline of ideas on the conceptualized in terms of disciplines or paradigms, the
coherence of the study by its major scholars, problem of the disciplinary paradox arises: The only
fragmentation is regarded problematic, but their ideas way out would be to reject interdisciplinarity as a valid
about resolving such fragmentation are very different. road to travel, for it implies stepping outside discipline
Some search for a basis for a coherent or paradigm spheres which guarantees the validity
conceptualization of the study from a specific point of claims in the first place. However, as indicated, Kuhn
reference in order to decide what is relevant. The result (and many others) argued that the social sciences do
of many arguments is that the study must either become not fit a paradigmatic or disciplinary description to
homogeneous, or a completely heterogenic plurality. In begin with. Whether it is sociology, economics,
the first case, authors strive for some "unifying psychology, or political science, there is a plurality of
paradigm," in the other words, the existence of the study approaches, i.e., a plurality of ideas about these studies’
is more or less denied and its "unity" is sought outside ontology and methodology. Social sciences defy any
scientific spheres, such as in a "professional perspective" attempt to reduce them to a few ‘paradigms’ and are
or within its subject matter "public administration". perhaps disciplines from a sociological perspective,
Opposite are authors that reject any specific point of with a host of internal ‘schools’ and ‘paradigms’. As
reference as the ‘true’ or superior one. They direct their George Frederickson (1976) underscores "There will
attention to an epistemological meta-theory that doubtless continue to be arguments that public
accounts for the possibility of integration of theories as administration is neither a field, profession, nor
such and thereby indicate how an ‘interdisciplinary’ discipline." (p.575). He concludes that the study should
study of public administration may be achieved. The not become any of them; it exists as interdisciplinary, at
former position relies on arriving at consensus on the least for Frederickson. So, part of the problem of the
studies core concepts, in particular a conceptualization identity concerns its images and ideals that scholars
of ‘public administration’. The latter approach demands assume about the nature of a study itself. What any of
more arguments from the philosophy of the social these images possess to resolve is the question of how
sciences as more insight into the alleged problems of different approaches and theories can be integrated
integration. remains unclear, which brings us again to the
philosophy of the social sciences. Though we may reject
Mainzer’s idea of a return to the safety of political science
as a discipline, he does pose a core problem: "An
interdisciplinary approach to public administration study
14 Raadschelders, J.C.N., Government. A Public Administration may mask a fuzzy eclecticism that lacks any sense of what
Perspective, Armonk etc, Sharpe, 2003, pp. xv/xvi.  is most significant" (1994, p.364). This is not a unique

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warning: "Unifying concepts can be unifying fallacies or case of the social sciences and humanities this is even
mystifying concepts" (Adrianus De Groot, 1986: 289. more problematic due to their inherent complexity and
Transl. MRR). Similarly Chester A. Newland wrote "the lack of a common mathematical language, i.e., the very
diversity can be more than a maddening weakness. absence of paradigmatic unity. Despite these problems,
Correctness is lacking. And some movements have theories on and methods for the integration of
encouraged reduced linkage." (1994, p.486), he even knowledge, i.e. for interdisciplinarity research,15 are very
refers to "A field of strangers in search of a discipline" rare. One can hardly blame scholars of public
(p.487). administration wrestling with the nature of their study, if
other studies and in particular the philosophy of the
Another serious problem persists if we want to confront, social sciences do not provide a helping hand.
compare, and/or integrate different theories. This issue is
perhaps even more important if social science lacks a The most pronounced problem discussed in relation to
clear disciplinary or paradigmatic status. How can we the viability of interdisciplinarity concern is ultimately an
ensure that an integration of theories will ultimately incommensurability of untranslatability of its concepts
work’? and theories. Recognition of this problem derives from
Kuhn's paradigm theory. As each paradigm constitutes a
Traditionally the integration of theories is not regarded specific context for providing meaning, it is conceivable
problematic in the philosophy of the sciences: choosing that concepts and theories may be totally different.
between theories and/or concepts is regarded a matter However, incommensurability is not limited to Kuhn's
accomplished through empirically testing. The positivistic theory (and is comparable to the issue of
‘empirical cycle’ would do the job. The ideal of sciences, underdetermination in linguistic theory). First of all,
such as the physical sciences, on principle are supposed incommensurability is primarily of concern when dealing
to share one (mathematical) language, thereby with fundamental and comprehensive theories but is not
guaranteeing the possibility of comparison and always an issue. Paul Feyerabend, the most pronounced
integration. In theory all theories can and should be and radical author, even states that incommensurability is
linked, and/or subsumed under an encompassing not an acute problem for the everyday scientist
theoretical perspective. Kuhn firmly rejected such a (Feyerabend, 1978: 190) for it concerns so-called
positivistic image and made both acceptance and ‘universal theories’ “if interpreted in a certain way"
rejection more problematic. According to Kuhn, a (Feyerabend, 1975: 114). Others, however, have pointed
paradigm is exclusive, which implies that the integration out that that incommensurability can occur, among
of knowledge becomes virtually inconceivable, unless theories within the same conceptual framework (cf.
understood as the development of a whole new
paradigm. In fact, the rational comparability of paradigms 15Perhaps it is easiest to stick to this generally accepted term, without
became very problematic if not simply impossible as necessarily subscribing to a disciplinary theory of the sciences, i.e.,
criteria for rationality are relative to a paradigm. In the simply using it as a synonym for knowledge integration in general.

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Hintikka, 1988). As William Mesaros and Danny Balfour How then to conceptualize an interdisciplinary study of
emphasize: "But since many people can see both [i.e. public administration without having to resolve all of
paradigms or Gestallt figures] at different times, there these issues, i.e. without accepting some specific
exists a bridge to communicate that fact" (1993, p.26) philosophy of the sciences, whether stating unity or
They are correct, but the issue of incommensurability is diversity, and without resorting to relativism either? The
still unresolved. Even if we can understand different briefly discussed ideas on the study by König and
perspectives, but that does not imply that their contents Raadschelders seem able to accommodate the problem
can be compared or integrated (cf. Feyerabend, 1975: of incommensurability and acknowledge that the
284; 1970: 227). As Mesaros and Balfour point out, the integration of knowledge is not easily achieved and
real question is whether we can construct [what they call] possibly (always) contextual. To give some further depth
‘trans-paradigmatic evidence.’ Feyerabend thinks it is to this image of the study of public administration as a
achievable, however, not within the sciences, but rather differentiated study (cf. Rutgers, 1993), first of all, let us
by means of philosophical doctrine. In short, according distinguish, on the one hand, between the presence of a
to Feyerabend there will never be "inter-paradigmatic plurality of studies dealing with phenomena of public
evidence" without explicit choices being made. The administration (so studies originating in political science,
observation by Mesaros and Balfour that "relativity is sociology, economics, social psychology, law, and so on),
ontologically constitutive of humans not of the world" and, on the other hand, the specific interdisciplinary
(p.30), does not resolve this problem. An accepted ‘unity study of public administration which combines and
of reality’ will not guarantee commensurability of ideas confronts various approaches in order to achieve a
about reality, as theories are always underdetermined by ‘wider’, more comprehensive understanding of public
facts. They are not simply reduceable to factual administration. The latter constitutes a differentiated
statements. Conflicting theories may explain the ‘same’ study. To enable integration and selection of relevant
facts. Thus even if we agree on ‘trans-disciplinary concepts and theories, researchers need to establish what
evidence,’ it is still possible to construct is the most relevant or promising and thus use this
incommensurable theories without being able to translate criteria as a guide, i.e. as an integration manual. A
them. This latter issue is known as the Duhem-Quine differentiated study is an area of interest, whose bound-
thesis (cf.Willard Quine, 1969; Donald Peterson, 1984).16 aries and contents are describable in terms of the topics
dealt with, within which knowledge from different
sources (‘basic disciplines’) can be integrated. Integration
and selection of relevant theories may be attained by
16 Though, just as Mesaros and Balfour refer to many a dispute means of the formulation of constantly changing, varying
concerning their philosophical starting points, the consequences of integrative theories derived from one or more of the
underdetermination are subject of debate; although this debate
mainly concerns the impact it has on everyday discourse, its relevance
approaches regarded relevant within the differentiated
for scientific conceptual systems seems to be generally accepted (cf. study. This reflects the ideas captured by Golembiewski’s
Strawson, 1970).  in terms of mini-paradigms, as well as in singular

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approaches of Ostrom’s or Luhmann’s, though of social sciences and from the discourse on the study of
course, universalistic claims of these theories’ approaches public administration itself. Is there still a crisis 50 years
must be also rejected. No integrative theory can or on? Does the study have a future? Well, yes. On the
should provide a final unifying basis, for it would destroy one hand, as we have seen the whole idea of a crisis, as
the interdisciplinary outlook of the entire study and well as its solution(s), hinge on assumptions about what
thereby reduce it to just another scientific specialism. makes for an identity of a field of study in the first
Although any image of the study as a differentiated study place. On the other hand, it suggest there perhaps
may be useful and in line with recent ideas on the never really was a crisis, or, alternatively - as I argued
philosophy of the social sciences, a meta-theory as such elsewhere (Rutgers, 1998) - perhaps ‘crises’ in the sense
does not provide an integrative framework. Fuzziness of rejecting some disciplinary or paradigmatic closed
and eclecticism can only be resolved by clearly outlining system, is the very identity of the study of public
the approach taken and by indicating why it is the most administration. That is, I would argue the study is and
relevant and tenable. Any integrative theory should has to be pluralistic, multi, and/or interdisciplinary if its
convincingly provide us with a conceptualization of an students intend to understand ‘public administration’
aspect of public administration: the conceptualization of comprehensively for both academic and practical
public administration as object of study. purposes. Frederickson and Smith also note: “Any
linear process of theory in public administration, any
5. A Future for the Study of Public semblance of a steady incremental march toward a
Administration? central paradigm or disciplinary objective – these
disappeared long ago’ (2003, p. 246). Perhaps it is time
“It is of great use to the sailor to know the length of his to abolish attempts to construct some ultimate
line, though he cannot with it fathom all the depths of the integrative, coherent theory of public administration.
ocean” (Locke, 1978: 13).
Integration does not so much result in a coherent body
After having discussed many theories on public
of knowledge, but points at a process of continuously
administration, Frederickson and Smith conclude their
striving for the confrontation of diverging approaches in
book by asking if there is ‘a bright future for theory’:
order to better understand some aspect of (what
“Does theory have a useful role in a field as fragmented
constitutes) administrative reality: "Interdisciplinarity is
and applied as public administration?” (2003, p. 229).
neither a subject matter nor a body of content. It is a
This reflects Waldo’s diagnosis of an identity crisis in
process for achieving an integrative synthesis, a process
the study of public administration referred to the
that usually begins with a problem, question, topic, or
beginning of this article. This article aimed to delve
issue." (Thompson Klein, 1990: 188). Considered from a
deeper into the nature of Waldo’s diagnosis by
historical, as well as, from an epistemological perspective,
analyzing, be it briefly, the study’s ontology and
a unifying framework does not seem to either
methodology using ideas from the philosophy of the
characterise the study or constitute a prerequisite for its

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continuation. This, however, does not imply abandoning
reflection on the study’s very ontologies and
methodologies, but rather stresses the need to reflect
upon them because there is no agreed upon ‘ paradigm.’
As the quote from John Locke at the beginning of this
section suggest, knowing the normative nature of our
concepts and the epistemological starting points of our
undertaking may be valuable insight into ‘the length of
our line,’ as well as make us realize that we cannot apply
our concepts and insights in all possible times and places.

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