What Do We Talk About? Publications in AJPA 1970–95

Abstract

This survey looks at three key aspects of the AJPA -who publishes, what they talk about and how they approach their subject. The findings suggest a continuing responsiveness to trends in public administration and a broad inclusive definition of the field.

What Do We Talk About Now? Reflecting on Publications in AJPA 1970–2015

“…I had argued that it was ‘commitment to the discipline that will influence AJPA's future’ (Althaus : 146). With the demise of many public administration schools across the country and with growing preferences towards quick and easy‐to‐scan (not necessarily read) blog‐type articles, AJPA is going to have to rely increasingly on pitching the benefit of rigorous research and synthesis to inject meaning and shape to the discipline moving forward.…”

Trajectories of public administration and administrative history in Australia: Rectifying 'a curious blight'?

“…A 1997 assessment of twentyfive years of the Australian Journal of Public Administration, for example, which offers a useful summary and identifies some omissions, is notable for its upbeat tone (Althaus 1997). Moreover, it is also appropriate to ask what was useful about the more heated debates and whose interests they served.…”

Public servants’ appreciation for themes in public administration scholarship

“…Engaging in a similar endeavour, Althaus’s () article examines the topics of published articles within AJPA from 1970 to 2015. Drawing on the categorizations of her previous investigations of AJPA subject matters (1970 to 1995 and 1996‐2015), the author analyzed the published articles according to topics of interest.…”

“…Drawing on the categorizations of her previous investigations of AJPA subject matters (1970 to 1995 and 1996‐2015), the author analyzed the published articles according to topics of interest. It is no surprise that the author calls for further collaboration between academics and practitioners (such as engaging on the post‐NPM public administration), as failure to do so would incontrovertibly harm AJPA ’s prospects (Althaus : 236‐237). As for the articles’ subjects, the author finds a shift of scholarly interest over the 45‐year period, as articles on public management , policy‐making , and accountability seem to be surging.…”

“…As for the articles’ subjects, the author finds a shift of scholarly interest over the 45‐year period, as articles on public management , policy‐making , and accountability seem to be surging. Inversely, fewer articles are published on the subjects of administrative and organizational theory , personnel and training , and institutional and statutory authorities (Althaus : 234‐235).…”