Download `Max Weber and the many disciplines of Public Administration`

'Max Weber and the many disciplines of Public Administration'
2014 marks the 150th birthday of Max Weber, the German sociologists whose theories of power and
bureaucracy are still today one of the most important inspirations and foundations of both the
practice and the academic undertaking of Public Administration. We suggest to use this anniversary
as a starting point for a renewed inspection of the many disciplines and rationalities which create and
shape modern Public Administration.
Max Weber himself was a lawyer by training, became for many years a professor of economics, and
finally the founder of modern sociology in Germany. In his career, his thinking and his writings he
thus symbolizes the multiple disciplines from which Public Administration as a field of study has
developed, at least in central Europe. But how is this relationship today, and how will and should it
develop in the years to come?
For some Public Administration (PA) is an academic discipline in its own right. Certainly there are
many ingredients and symbols of a discipline, like well-known journals, associations, conferences and
study programs. But at the same time there does not seem to be a specific theory or even method of
PA. So for many PA is more a field of study, using all relevant and appropriate social science theories
and methods, from economics and rational choice to sociological constructionist or even deconstructionist theories, from political science to law, management, psychology and so on. But how
does modern PA relate to all these traditional disciplines? Does it really benefit from their
experiences, findings and progress, and vice versa, does PA inspire the traditional social sciences?
In many ways we seem to experiences an ever more detailed and fragmented specialization which
hinders and obstructs communication and mutual learning. There seems to be less, not more
communication between the relevant disciplines of PA. Lawyers, economists, political scientists,
sociologists and so on prefer to stay within their disciplines, because that is where academic careers
are made. Many different disciplines deal with and talk about PA, but very little with each other.
Their publications and discourses are like the proverbial 'ships passing at night'.
We suggest to discuss this state of the art with colleagues from different disciplinary and cultural
background in Ifrane, and, if there is enough interest, to start an IIAS study group. The task of this
study group could be to develop a new understanding of the role of modern academic disciplines in
the study of PA. How can we use and make the many disciplines of PA productive and engaging to
each other? Are traditional academic disciplines still relevant, or are they remnants of a bygone area
which just refuse to leave the scene? Can we reach a new understanding finally overcoming the age
old disciplinary boundaries, prejudices and misunderstandings?
If you are interested in these topics, please join us in Ifrane.