Future Trends in Public Administration
Public administration is, by nature, a constantly changing field. As new local, state, and national leaders are elected and new administrations take office, policies and patterns inevitably change. Moreover, public administration is subject to the same economic, cultural, and technological shifts that affect the private sector, the nation, and the world. For example, the global recession has forced many private corporations to cut costs, streamline operations, and increase efficiency in order to remain profitable. Government organizations have had to enact similar changes in response to shrinking budgets and pressure to perform the same tasks with fewer resources. Throughout this course, you have explored many trends that have influenced the development of public administration in recent years, including the reinventing government movement, privatization, entrepreneurialism, and e-government. In this Discussion, you take a closer look at how two trends-technology and collaboration-have influenced public administration in recent years, and consider how you think one of them may influence the field in the future.
Select one of the two trends you have examined this week: technology or collaboration. Reflect on how this trend has influenced public administration in recent years, and how it may continue to influence public administration in the future. Consider specific examples that support your ideas.