Toward the Theory of Administrative Tethering: Re-thinking Child Welfare Training amid Rationally Bounded Administrative Decision-Making and Collaborative Governance Processes

Toward a Theory of Administrative Tethering is a seven-year study of collaboration in child protective services (CPS) that concludes with the identification of new research and its potential utility and impact for practitioners and academics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Toward a Theory of Administrative Tethering is the culmination of a seven-year commitment to investigate and explore the highly complex and chaotic nature of collaboration, specifically in child protective services (CPS). This journey began with an atypical relationship between a doctoral student practicing in CPS and an academic mentor. Examination of the CPS system in North Carolina necessitated more in-depth study to foster change relevant to improve service delivery for front-line staff and to engage executive leadership at the local and state levels. All CPS actors must function in a highly coordinated fashion to provide the orderly delivery of this social product to the public as needed and as expected. Herbert Simon's work is stitched into each chapter, and his perspectives provide the binding agent to the emerging Administrative Tethering (AT) framework (2002, 2000, 1962). Administrative Tethering (AT) can be conceptualized as a strategic management design that employs a series of inter-agency bonding actions and techniques to address the multi-dimensional nature of a complex, pressing public problem. This work concludes with the identification of new research and its potential utility and overall impact for the both the practitioner and academic.

Collaboration in child protective services (CPS) is a complex and chaotic domain that has been the focus of extensive research over the past seven years. This journey began with an atypical relationship between a doctoral student practicing in CPS and an academic mentor, driven by a shared commitment to understanding and improving the system.

The examination of the CPS system in North Carolina revealed the need for a deeper understanding to drive meaningful change. Recognizing the importance of engaging executive leadership at both local and state levels, the research expanded its scope to encompass a broader perspective. Herbert Simon's influential work, particularly his concepts of administrative tethering, became a guiding force in shaping the emerging Administrative Tethering (AT) framework.

Administrative Tethering (AT) is a strategic management design that aims to address the multifaceted nature of complex public problems. It involves the utilization of inter-agency bonding actions and techniques to create a cohesive network of organizations working towards a common goal. By fostering collaboration and coordination, AT seeks to improve service delivery for front-line staff and engage executive leadership in driving positive change.

Throughout the research, a profound appreciation for the complexities and challenges faced by CPS actors was developed. It became evident that the orderly delivery of this social product to the public requires a highly coordinated effort from all CPS actors. The AT framework provides a valuable tool for practitioners and academics alike, offering a structured approach to addressing the challenges of collaboration in CPS.

In conclusion, Toward a Theory of Administrative Tethering represents a significant milestone in the study of collaboration in CPS. Through a rigorous investigation and exploration, the research has shed light on the multi-dimensional nature of the problem and provided a framework for driving positive change. The identification of new research avenues holds the potential to further enhance our understanding and impact the lives of those involved in child protection services.

Weight: 249g
Dimension: 230 x 154 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793642967