Theories for research in Public Administration (original) (raw)
Related papers
Understanding theory in social science research: Public administration in perspective
Teaching Public Administration, 2020
The role theory plays in research work cannot be over-emphasized. A theory that is apt gives direction to research work in explaining, organizing, analyzing, and predicting phenomenon and showing their relationships in order to enhance understanding. Despite these roles played by theory, upcoming scholars and students many at times fail to use theory that is apt in their research work, while some skip to adopt any theory in their research, even when it is necessary to adopt one. Thus, leading to disjointed and poor research work. Lack of good theory and/or lack of its correct application instantly de-links the relationship and blurs the understanding of research questions, variables, and hypotheses, which theory integrates to give a coherent and holistic view of phenomenon, and answering the question of “why” the phenomenon is the “way” it is. Explanatory and qualitative research approaches were employed. Secondary data were collected from books, journal articles; internet materials...
2014
This article aims to provide a conceptual and theoretical analysis of the main theoretical and philosophical perspectives in social science research for researchers doing research in the disciplinary fields of public administration, management and governance. The purpose is to provide clarity for researchers' own beliefs of how social reality should be viewed to gain the most truthful results and thus, to develop their own ontology. This will enable researchers to have a clear understanding of which research perspective would be appropriate when designing their research in order to develop their own epistemology. The article attempts to clarify what research is and more specifically the relationship between research theories and the empirical world. The conditions necessary for scientific research and the most important concepts (building blocks) of social science research are explained. The difference between ordinary everyday knowledge and information, social science theory, scientific knowledge and the use of the scientific method receive attention. The dimensions of social science research are distinguished in terms of the sociological, teleological, ontological,
Administrative Theory & Praxis, 2023
When theorizing, it is sometimes colloquially said “I reckon…” This essay attempts to reckon with theorizing by proposing a heuristic for systematically gauging rigorous and/or meaningful theoretical research with the analysis of eight factors: novelty, challenge, relevance, power, fecundity, usefulness, deliberateness, and clarity. These factors offer a manual for theorists writing theoretical research, and a loose set of considerations to begin discussions of what it is that makes invigorating theory.
Published in the Indian Journal of Public Administration. January-March 2015. Vol. LXI, No.1 This article contextualises and locates social science in the wider debate of research methodology. It goes on to narrow down its focus to the discipline of Public Administration by tracing its evolution and reaches the conclusion that a Kuhnian historiography of a scientific discipline has characterised the growth of theory in this discipline since its inception.
A Different Approach to the Problem of Theory in the Discipline of Public Administration
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2023
Our studies are in a format accredited, approved, and supported by EAALS-European Academic Studies and Laboratory Services. ("Scientific Studies-Current Science Georgia") "EAALS offers all our works, services, and publications to the world scientists at the stage of carrying our control, accreditation, and support processes to the international platform." ("CURRENT SCIENCE") ("Scientific Studies-Current Science Georgia")
Theory and scope of public administration: an introduction to the study�s epistemology
Fem Econ, 2010
5.3 The Issue of Interdisciplinarity 6. A future for the Study of Public Administration? 'theory' is diverse (Waldo, 1968, p.2). The scope of the theories used is indicated by problems, according to Waldo, "problems that have both practical and theoretical dimensions" (Waldo, 1968, p 2). But to argue that coherence can be found by stating that the
The judicious use of theory in social science research
The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa, 2021
Social science research is focussed mainly on societal concerns and human dynamics. In scholarly domains such as Public Administration, theory is commonly regarded as the backbone of studies, but the why, where and how dimensions of theory in the research process are generally ill-defined. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the use of theory as value-adding catalyst in the research process. Following a literature review based on an interpretivist paradigm, this article aims to enlighten the systematic application of theory in the research process. It is evident that theory’s application is based on its unique nature and the aims, nature and type of research. Theory can either inform or structure the research process. This function of theory has significant implications for the research design, methodology, as well as methods and data collection. Understanding the role and significance of theory can definitely enhance the scientific rigour of research and the ability of soc...
Scientific conversations can be riddled with confusion when contributions to the discussion are based on notions about ways of knowing that remain implicit. Researchers often mix different methodological positions in their research designs due to their lack of awareness of distinctions between different ways of knowing and their associated methods. We engage and reflect on these differences, with particular attention to four areas: research question formulations, the character and role of concepts and theories, hypotheses versus puzzles, and case study research. We call on all researchers, including both academics and practitioners, to be aware of the ways in which scientific terms serve, in research debates, as signifiers of different logics of inquiry. Awareness of these differences is important for the sake of productive scientific discussions and for the logical consistency of research, as both of the ways of knowing that we discuss are legitimate scientific endeavors, albeit invoking different evaluative criteria.
the Social Sciences for Public Administration and Management emerging researchers
2016
This article aims to provide a conceptual and theoretical analysis of the main theoretical and philosophical perspectives in social science research for researchers doing research in the disciplinary fields of public administration, management and governance. The purpose is to provide clarity for researchers' own beliefs of how social reality should be viewed to gain the most truthful results and thus, to develop their own ontology. This will enable researchers to have a clear understanding of which research perspective would be appropriate when designing their research in order to develop their own epistemology. The article attempts to clarify what research is and more specifically the relationship between research theories and the empirical world. The conditions necessary for scientific research and the most important concepts (building blocks) of social science research are explained. The difference between ordinary everyday knowledge and information, social science theory, scientific knowledge and the use of the scientific method receive attention. The dimensions of social science research are distinguished in terms of the sociological, teleological, ontological,