A Public Service Perspective
Reflection Paper #1 - Public Service Motivation Theory
This reflection paper is in response to Sander van Triest’s 2023 article in Public Administration Review in which he examines the relationship between incentives and motivation among employees in both the public and private sector. Van Triest challenges Perry’s Public Service Motivation theory, analyzing the survey responses of 25,000 public workers in the UK regarding intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, with results suggesting a positive association between employee level of effort, perceived opportunities for advancement and job security.
Reflection Paper #2 - The Politics-Administrative Dichotomy
This reflection paper is in response to Woodrow Wilson’s 1887 article in Political Science Quarterly entitled The Study of Administration. Credited with the theory of the politics-administrative dichotomy, Wilson believed that separating those setting policy (politicians) from those charged with implementing policy (public administrators) would result in a more efficient public sector. Bypassing Senate confirmation of Executive Branch appointees may be a precursor to fully dismantling the administrative state, returning the federal workforce to the spoils system.
