Reckoning with theoretical research: A heuristic for gauging and writing public administration theory (original) (raw)
Related papers
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.
Theories for research in Public Administration
Theory underpins social science endeavours by providing the philosophical assumptions on the following aspects: aspects that constitute social reality (ontology); is accepted as valid evidence of that reality (epistemology); the means to investigate the context (methodology); and the manner in which evidence is gathered (methods). Both positivists and interpretivists generally concur that theory occupies a central role in scientific inquiry into the social world. In disciplines of applied social science such as Public Administration, research generally fosters the transition from theory to practice. In this respect, theory underlies the designs, methods, and findings of the research process.
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...
Comment: Public management researchthe interdependence of problems and theory
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 1994
As a college student, I read an article with a title that thoroughly captured my fancy, "Topic X [this part of it does not matter]: Whence and Whither?" I determined that some day I must write something with that mellifluous and capacious subtitle. I came, in time, to see the chutzpa required to say something intelligent about the whence and whither of anything, and never found the heart to follow through. But reading Laurence E. Lynn's insightful account of the evolution of public management research, my favorite subtitle sprang to mind. He offers a provocative account of how the field has developed, and poses exciting but serious challenges to researchers about the future. Inspired by his analysis, I build on a few of his comments about where the field is going and why. First I consider how coherent our field can and should be. Second, I review some cautions about examining cases of best managerial practice as a research approach. Third, I suggest some ways to improve the stock of theory we use to understand public management problems and opportunities.
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,
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 History of Ideas and Normative Research in Public Administration: Some Personal Reflections
Administrative Theory & Praxis, 2008
This paper discusses the history of ideas as a methodological approach to normative research in public administration. It seeks to explore what the history of ideas entails, why our field has neglected it, and why, despite this neglect, this approach to normative research is useful. I argue here that an awareness of the history of the ideas and concepts that we use in thinking, talking, and writing about, as well as practicing, public administration can be helpful in avoiding the recycling of old ideas that have been tried in the past and found wanting. Equally important, it can also help us to avoid adopting ideas that are actually destructive of values that we hold dear and suggest ideas that are more coherent with these values. 2008, Public Administration Theory Network \\server05\productn\A\ATP\30-1\ATP104.txt unknown Seq: 2 18-MAR-08 9:57 Spicer 51 \\server05\productn\A\ATP\30-1\ATP104.txt unknown Seq: 3 18-MAR-08 9:57 52 Administrative Theory & Praxis ❖Vol. 30, No. 1 propriate to empirical enquiries), nor deduction (demanded by formal problems) seems to be of help. (pp. 145-146) \\server05\productn\A\ATP\30-1\ATP104.txt unknown Seq: 4