Handbook of Public Administration

Featuring world-known leaders in public administration thought and practice, this comprehensive guide, organized into eight sections, is intended to help public administration students and practitioners navigate administrative challenges, overcome obstacles and improve effectiveness in government. Readers may proceed sequentially through the book for an overview of the entire field or turn to individual chapters that highlight specific problems or situations. Part One looks at the changing context of public administration and the challenges it poses for today's public administrator. Part Two focuses on the dual concerns of administrative effectiveness and democratic control. Part Three explores how relationships and decisions influence public policies and programs. Part Four covers issues of revenues and expenditures in government. Part Five looks at human resources and focuses on performance, compensation, development and diversity. Part Six, focuses on tools for facilitating effectiveness such as strategic planning, performance measurement, org development, technology and program evaluation. Part Seven delves into the critical skills public administrators must master in the areas of leadership, conflict mangement, negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills. Part Eight reflects on what it means to be a public administrator and addresses issues of professional ethics and liability.