A Samurai's Lineage: Theoretical Traditions in Public Administration

Abstract

This reflective essay was inspired by a question posed at the December 2005 Emergent Public Administration Scholar conference in Dallas, Texas: "What does it mean to be Public Administration?" Here, I answer this question by exploring the meaning of Samurai as public servant and the importance of lineage in martial arts as an analogy for traditions in public administration theory. In so doing, I challenge the current use of the terms traditional and post-traditional in public administration theory. This essay further poses and answers the question: What is my theoretical lineage? Ideally, as scholars and practitioners, we should all be able to answer this question to understand our own biases, moral compass, proclivities, strengths, as well as potential blind spots. We should be aware of how theory informs our actions and be mindful in the choices we make.

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