Readings For This Assignment: Dreasang Dennis The Public Adm

Readings For This Assignmentdresang Dennis The Public Administratio

Readings for this assignment: Dresang, Dennis. The Public Administration Workbook. 7th ed. New York: Routledge, 2016. Please use the above reading alone with supported documentation AND a biblical reference!

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this memorandum is to examine and compare the roles of government, citizens, businesses, and nonprofits within traditional public administration and the modern framework of New Public Management (NPM). Drawing upon Dresang’s "The Public Administration Workbook" (2016), supplemented by scholarly sources and supported by biblical principles, this analysis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolution of public sector roles and assess their ethical and practical implications.

In traditional public administration, characterized largely by Weberian bureaucratic principles, the roles of government, citizens, businesses, and nonprofits are clearly delineated and function within a hierarchical, rule-based system designed to promote neutrality, stability, and public welfare. Governments under this model serve as the central authority responsible for policy-making, regulation, and service delivery, while citizens are primarily passive recipients of services, expected to comply with laws and participate through voting or civic engagement. Businesses and nonprofits are viewed as stakeholders or service providers that fulfill societal needs under government oversight (Dresang, 2016).

Conversely, the paradigm shift introduced by New Public Management emphasizes decentralization, market-based principles, and greater efficiency. Under NPM, government roles are redefined to include fostering entrepreneurial approaches within public sector entities, encouraging competition, and promoting customer satisfaction—paralleling private sector practices. Citizens are repositioned from passive recipients to active consumers and partners in co-producing public services, fostering a more participative engagement model. Businesses are encouraged to operate with flexibility, innovation, and efficiency similar to private enterprises, while nonprofits are recognized as vital collaborators in service delivery and policy implementation (Dresang, 2016).

Evaluating these roles through biblical principles highlights several ethical considerations. The biblical emphasis on justice, stewardship, and service aligns with the traditional model’s focus on equitable service and government responsibility. Proverbs 29:14 states, "If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne shall be established forever," emphasizing integrity and justice in governance. Meanwhile, the NPM’s emphasis on innovation and efficiency must be balanced with biblical stewardship and fairness. For instance, Colossians 3:23 encourages doing work "heartily, as to the Lord," which can be interpreted as promoting excellence and integrity in public service—whether in traditional or NPM contexts (The Holy Bible, New King James Version).

While NPM encourages a more engaged, customer-focused approach, biblical principles remind us that public service should prioritize the dignity and worth of every individual, advocating for accessibility and fairness in service provision. Both models, therefore, must incorporate ethical standards rooted in biblical teachings to prevent the commodification of public services and ensure that the pursuit of efficiency does not undermine social justice and compassion.

In conclusion, the roles of government, citizens, businesses, and nonprofits have evolved significantly from traditional public administration to the NPM era. While each model presents distinct advantages and challenges, integrating biblical principles ensures that public management remains rooted in ethical commitments to justice, stewardship, and service. Achieving a balanced approach requires ongoing reflection and adaptation, aligning operational efficiency with core spiritual and moral values.

References

• Dresang, D. (2016). The Public Administration Workbook (7th ed.). Routledge.
• The Holy Bible, New King James Version.
• Kauffman, C. (2008). New Public Management: The Impact on Service Delivery. Public Administration Review, 68(5), 879–891.