Public Administration: An Introduction

by Marc Holzer, Richard W. Schwester

Marc Holzer and Richard Schwester have written a fresh and highly engaging textbook for the introductory course in Public Administration. Their coverage is both comprehensive and cutting edge, not just including all the basic topics (OT, budgeting, HRM), but also reflecting new realities in public Public Administration has been crafted with student appeal in mind. Each of the book’s 14 chapters is generously and colorfully illustrated with cartoons, quotes, and artwork―all reinforcing the book’s theme that the field of PA is rooted in the cultural and political world. Each chapter is also supported with a listing of key terms, exercises, and additional resources.

504 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2011

Reviews

[Mark Oppenlander · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few textbooks in my time, and they vary greatly in their thoroughness or level of detail, the nature of their insights, the effective bias they bring to the table, and basic readability. The combination of those four elements can lead to huge variations in overall quality as well. With this textbook on public administration, I found myself surprisingly disappointed, despite the fact that I really was curious about the subject.

Holzer's book begins with an overview of public administration and emphasizes the critical nature of the work. It then dives into chapters that cover basic concepts needed to do this work well, including chapters on organizational behavior and theory, human resources management, performance management, policies and decision making, technology, and more. I found two things troubling in the book, especially as it dove into the sub-topics that make up the larger subject matter.

First, Holzer seems to be taking a somewhat scattershot approach to each topic. When he approaches something like, say, Human Resources, he appears to have randomly pulled out a handful of approaches, cited sources, and left them there as examples of ways that a government agency might approach this work. There is absolutely no sense of structure or hierarchy, just a few options laid out, like room temperature cold cuts at a sad buffet table. I never got a sense of Holzer's predilections here. Are any of these theories or approaches outdated? What has the trajectory or evolution of this work been? What is the preferred approach to HR in government now?

Second, Holzer's book covers so much ground that each chapter touches on its subject only at a very high level. This irritation may be my own fault. Because I have previously read a number of MBA textbooks, I have read entire volumes on project management, leadership, and org structures. Everything here seems . . . well, somewhat quaint in comparison. To give Holzer his due, this is an introductory textbook, and he can't reasonably make it 1,000 pages long. Still, in most chapters, I found myself wanting more.

The best sections of the book were when he touched on things that are unique and specific to public administration. For example, the sections on how municipalities or other agencies might choose to outsource certain services (or not) and why was quite interesting. Similarly, discussions of resource sharing between various levels and layers of government were enlightening to those of us who don't work in the public sector.

All in all, I think this textbook is fine. I think I was just ready for a little deeper dive into the minutiae of what it takes to run a government agency or service effectively and efficiently. My reading experience with this seemed somewhat disjointed and too much of the information felt cursory. If anyone wants to recommend a good follow-up book, I'd love to hear about it.

[Benton Laufeysdottir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for class. It provides a really good base-level introduction to the world of Public Administration. In order to get the most from this book, look into the authors/articles mentioned throughout the chapters as simply reading Holzer will only give you the most surface glimpse of the different areas of study. However, the book is well-written and easy to follow. There are tons of great examples pulled from around the country, as well as sample tests, surveys, and reports that make it easier to get engaged.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than average textbook due to its incredibly easy to read narrative. The examples are solid and logical, adding to understanding. I like that the digital version often breaks up the text with quotes on the subject by famous people, historical & relevant paintings, or even a goofy political cartoon. Still, very occasionally dry or wandering, so 4/5.
Bs get degrees.

[Joshua Bupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK 👌

[Deborah Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I switched to this text this semester. It is much more up to date and inclusive than other pubilc administration texts I've reviewed.

[Jim Twombly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than most PA textbooks, but still a bit dry. Accompanying Powerpoint slides were not very helpful.