Public Administration: Partnerships in Public Service, Third Edition

The complex subject of governance is illuminated and clarified in this completely revised third edition of William C. Johnson’s popular text. Working from the premise that no significant government enterprise takes place within the boundaries of any one organization, the author explores the collaborative process through which public policy is shaped by networks of organizations with diverse missions and certain common purposes. The discussion examines the institutional structures of government and the private sector, as well as the connections between them, the specific operations within these institutions, and the relationships between administrative institutions and the larger society. Throughout the presentation, the author emphasizes the role of public administrators in forming and maintaining the partnerships that advance the goals of government. Each chapter features boxed highlights that illustrate and enliven the principles of public administration. From the No Child Left Behind Act, creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and distribution of the Colorado River’s water, to the smart-growth approach to land-use planning, emergence of e-government, and globalization, Johnson draws widely from current issues and events to underscore his presentation with interesting and relevant examples.