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' The Case For Bureaucracy: A Public Administration Polemic Summary

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Goodsell, C. T. (2004). The Case for Bureaucracy: A Public Administration Polemic.
Fourth Edition. CQ Press, Washington DC.
Ackoff, R. L. and Rovin, S. (2005). Beating the System, Using creativity to outsmart bureaucracies. Berret- Koehler Publishers, Inc., San Francisco, USA.
Introduction
Bureaucracy is a stigma in our society today. Once championed as the model of efficient and stable government decades ago, we now curse it and openly express disdain. We explore two opposing views herein that present myriad insights about the role of bureaucracies in our modern society. Ackoff and Rovin (2005) present an anecdotal analysis of challenges faced in dealing with bureaucracies. Goodsell (2004) presents a hardcore defense of bureaucracy in an attempt …show more content…
This is primarily due to the differences in the writing styles and the intended entertainment value of Ackoff and
Rovin’s work, which is clearly intended for popular audiences.
However, upon further reflection it seems that the real answer is that it depends: there are some important factors to consider. While Goodsell’s writing is more intense and academic in nature, his purpose is to inspire future public servants to pursue a career in public service, with the hope that it may add “meaning to their lives” (p. xi). To this end, his book may indeed capture the minds and hearts of the more serious, intellectual undergraduate students. I would even go so far as to argue that Goodsell serves as the better role model for all students – undergraduate and graduate alike. It is well written, with an effective logistical argument and supporting evidence clearly presented throughout its seven chapters.
In contrast, Ackoff and Rovin’s book is perhaps a bit more adolescent, at times reading like a tabloid found in the grocery store checkout lane. The book is a relatively quick read and is interesting, relevant, and entertaining. The authors offer a series …show more content…
Consequently,
Comparative Book Review PADM 6610 – Intellectual History of Public Administration
October 28, 2014 Christopher J. Bolt
6
instructors using it as a text must be prudent in devoting adequate time to explore and discuss the main themes and tactics.
General Thoughts on Research and Conclusions
In considering the general research methods and conclusions, it seems that
Ackoff and Rovin’s work is a bit hollow and that they were clearly on a hunt for biased
(negative) examples to expound upon. The very title, How to Beat Any System, implies that we have to force, trick, or cheat in order to entice results and positive outcomes and services from our bureaucracies. Is this entirely true? I’m not so sure, and we should be cautious to assume as much. Fortunately, they do seem to present a few good, positive ideas for preventing issues and problems; but this seems half-hearted and appears only as an afterthought (Chapter 11). Frankly, it seems that the Ackoff and Rovin book is begging to have its story continued with a sequel. One could only hope that it might

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