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Public Administration Theory Network
A Brief Overview and History of PAT-Net
Administrative Theory & Praxis |
The Public Administration Theory Network (PAT-Net) is an international network of professionals concerned with the advancement of public administration theory.
The PAT-Net provides a unique forum to discuss ideas in public administration and policy. It is to some extent a counterbalance to mainstream theoretical approaches including the economistic view of administrative reform that is occurring throughout the world. The Network held its first conference in 1988 but has been in existence in one form or another for more than twenty years. It was started in 1978 by a group of scholars in U.S. public administration who were seeking an alternative venue to develop and talk about their ideas.
From its inception, members of the Network have been independent in their writing and have sought to maintain a critical distance from mainstream public administration. The Network does not have a collective identity, but members do share in common the idea that public administration is as much about the social construction of society as it is about the administration of public services.
Amongst the membership, there is not only great concern for the means of administration but also for the ends, i.e., the effect of public programs on people's lives. Those in the Network are also interested in how research is conducted in the discipline and what views of human nature and knowledge are embedded in a particular public administration theory.
Most affiliated with the Network are academicians although there are a fair number of active administrators. Over the past few years, the membership has become more international, with members representing Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
For more information, please read Michael Harmon's wonderful history of PAT-Net.
How to Join PAT-Net
Memberships to PAT-Net are entered on a rolling basis and include a subscription to the journal Administrative Theory & Praxis (electronic and/or print version), information on annual conference programs, and inclusion in the annual membership directory. Application information will be used in the PAT-Net membership directory.
There are several ways to join PAT-Net/subscribe to ATP.
- Complete the membership application/renewal form on this web site.
- Go to the back page of any issue of Administrative Theory & Praxis. Complete the form and mail it, along with payment information, to the address listed.
- You may also join online and pay by credit card at the M.E. Sharpe ATP page.
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Administrative Theory & Praxis
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The Network publishes the quarterly journal Administrative Theory & Praxis (ATP). ATP evolved from the Network's original informal publication called Dialogue. ATP publishes refereed articles, symposia, commentary and book reviews on the theory and practice of public administration and policy. Go to the ATP page for more information.
PAT-Net Conferences
A PAT-Net Conference is held each year at different locations and is organized by the local program committee. Information about past conferences can be found on the conference web sites. Information about future conferences will be added when it is available.
2009, May 29-31 - Frankfort, KY: Open Themes, Open Spaces
2008, May 29-30 - Richmond, Virginia: Public Administration at the Margin
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Membership Directory
The PAT-Net Membership Directory is published each year and sent to individual members. Institutional subscribers do not receive the Membership Directory.
Contact PAT-Net
Comments or requests should be directed to the PAT-Net Coordinator:
Frank E. Scott
Department of Public Affairs & Administration
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94542
frank.scott@csueastbay.edu
Questions about your membership in PAT-Net or subscription to ATP should be directed to:
Thomas J. Catlaw
Editor, Administrative Theory & Praxis
Arizona State University
School of Public Affairs
411 North Central Avenue, Mail Code 3720
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Thomas.Catlaw@asu.edu
(602) 496-0459
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Updated 5/6/2009 by Thomas J. Catlaw