Public Administration in the 21st Century: A Global South Perspective

The book explores the transformations in global societies, the economy, and politics, and reassesses governance in developing countries beyond the traditional Weberian bureaucratic model. It highlights the importance of widening the range and scope of public administrative agencies with the cooperation of multiple actors, and revisits the discipline to tackle intellectual dilemmas in current governance theories and practices. The second edition focuses on lessons learned from the Global South in building administrative capacities in post-Covid-19 times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The field of public administration has undergone a significant transformation in the 21st century, with a fundamental rethinking of its core objectives, concepts, and theories. This comprehensive book explores the profound shifts occurring in global societies, the economy, and politics, tracing the evolution of public administration as an academic discipline and a focal point of social science research. It offers a reassessment of governance in diverse developing countries, moving beyond the traditional Weberian bureaucratic model to embrace new organizational and management models tailored to meet the unique legal, constitutional, economic, and political needs, aspirations, and realities of these nations.

In particular, this book highlights the importance of addressing the marginalized sections of society, who rely heavily on public service delivery systems for their citizen entitlements. The author examines ways to expand the range and scope of public administrative agencies through collaborative efforts involving multiple actors, such as civil society, the general public, and even the private sector. By fostering partnerships, the author aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public administration in meeting the diverse needs of society.

Furthermore, this book revisits the discipline to address intellectual dilemmas that current governance theories and practices are facing or will encounter in future administrative situations. It provides valuable insights into policy and governance lessons learned from the Global South, particularly in building administrative capacities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This second edition of the book is an essential read for scholars and researchers in politics, particularly governance and public policy, sociology, and development studies. It is also invaluable for bureaucrats, NGOs, and government officials seeking to understand the evolving mandates and challenges of the rising South.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032208541
Edition number: 2 ed