Organization Theory for Public Administration

Chatelaine Press has reissued two important books on Public Administration - ACTION THEORY FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION by Michael M. Harmon & ORGANIZATION THEORY FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION by Michael M. Harmon & Richard T. Mayer. In ACTION THEORY, Harmon takes head-on two vexatious problems in public administration: the need to relate theories to practice & the need to integrate values into what many regard as a science. Harmon's action theory begins with the face-to-face encounter that requires a decision, a reaction, or a plan. The purpose of the book is to provide a context for the critical appraisal of public administration theory & practice. The purpose of ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY, is to illuminate, from a wide variety of perspectives, the organizational contexts within which public administrators act. The book is practical - in ways that are instrumental, moral & diagnostic. Considering the many schools of thought in organization theory, they choose an approach which is more modest than synthesis & more useful than merely acknowledging the differences among theories. The distinctive relevance of organization theory to public organizations is a major tenet of this book. The intended audience for the books is both academics concerned with public administration & practicing administrators. To order: Chatelaine Press, 6454 Honey Tree Ct. Burke, VA 22015-3901. 703-569-2062.Harmon, Michael M. is the author of 'Organization Theory for Public Administration' with ISBN 9780963987402 and ISBN 0963987402.