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Administration in the Public Interest is a highly readable, informative, and up-to-date introductory textbook for undergraduate public administration and first-year graduate MPA students. In addition to covering the basic topics found in most introductory public administration texts, such as organizational theory and behavior, public personnel, public budgeting, federalism and intergovernmental relations, public management, and the like, this book devotes entire chapters to the history and philosophy of public administration, the role of the Constitution and administrative law and behavior, administration and management of state and local governments, and treatment of the use of nonprofit organizations and faith-based initiatives in public administration. Instead of civil service preparation for M.P.A. students Administration in the Public Interest presents a current-issues theme of conflicting ethical, constitutional, utility, and leadership values discovered and practiced in public administration. The primary purpose of the text is not necessarily to teach the "practice" of public administration; instead, Administration in the Public Interest critically examines and evaluates the various ideas, people, histories, typologies, and issues that interrelate within the broad philosophical and pragmatic world of the "public interest." Unlike almost all public administration texts, this book describes and examines the increasingly influential role of non-profit organizations, faith-based initiatives, and private agencies in the development of public administration. Each chapter includes "Action Steps" for their local setting, boxed inserts and photos on key figures and events in public administration, study guides, including discussion and review questions, recommended readings, and web sites.

In addition to addressing the basics, American Public Administration: Public Service for the 21st Century stands out from other books in the market by offering a broader context in which to understand public administration and by devoting comprehensive coverage to current topics and trends, many of which are given chapter-length treatment (e.g., civil society, privatization, management information systems, and ethics). The most recent and compelling research is woven throughout every chapter to give students a useful, in-depth understanding of the field today. Real-world case studies and vignettes, helpful chapter pedagogy, an abundance of charts and graphs, and numerous Web listings help students learn and engage them in the text.