Reference no: EM132169635

In 100 words state if you agree or disagree with the statement below and why ?

What surprised and interested you about the field of public administration? What do you think some are some of the most challenging issues confronting public administrators today? Provide at least two examples. I find interesting that organizations are chaotic and complex. No two organizations are the same, and each set of issues they face is unique. It is hard to generalize public administrators because of this very issue. A huge hurdle is that decisions are so often politically driven. There is so much divisiveness within our society, especially along political lines, that it seems hard to come to a consensus on the greater good for some organizations. Take for example the issue currently experienced by district 90 in O’Fallon. A board member is a member of a prominent political group that has connections with racially biased individuals, and has both publically and privately engaged in the denigration of the idea of social justice. The term “social justice” tends to have a political affiliation (even though by definition it is the equal distribution of wealth, opportunities, privilege, etc. to all members of society).

To many, this is now a Republican vs. Democrat issue and as we can see within our own government, can often lead to a standstill on a resolution. The board member is a person who is exercising his right to free speech, but has also sworn an oath to protect the interests of all children in his district. Which aspect will prevail? At this point, the other board members and community members cannot force a resignation, so a second issue that can confront public administrators today is that sometimes contracts, regulations, and initiatives are not well thought out before implemented. A future clause in a board member’s contract would be a great way for district 90 to proceed in the future. We have also seen this occur with initiatives like the Michelle Obama heathy school lunch program. This was supposed to limit salt, sugars, and incorporate whole-grains and a more balanced meal for students, but instead it was perceived as “disgusting” and many students would rather not eat lunch at all. Not to mention, you had to take all items offered, even if a student did not want to consume it. This lead to an incredible amount of cost in re-planning meals and so much uneaten food ending up in the garbage receptacle. Public Administration is fascinating because there is no “one size fits all” model for organizations.