Public Administration and the Paradox of Professionalization

Abstract

This chapter discusses significant realities of government structure and organization that generally have been overlooked or underplayed when reforms to guide these relations occur. As the professionalization of permanent career bureaucrats at all levels increased significantly, bureaucracy's acceptance by its clients—citizens and political elites alike—decreased. The loss of respect associated with this "paradox of professionalization" is arguably the most important factor facing the public service. "Excessive government explanations" of public sector growth reject the assumption of neutrality by government institutions in determining public sector size. More fundamental is the understanding that, as government programs change, expands, and alters their form, so do relationships among governmental and nongovernmental actors change. Local governments were rated highest by citizens on all factors and received at least twice as many favorable responses as the national government on each item. The psychological, or subjective, dimension of expertise or professionalism is evident when public and elected official acceptance of professionals is considered.

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