000			01547pab a2200181 454500
008			180718b1999 xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
100			_aSelden, Sally Coleman
245			_aReconciling competing values in public administration: understanding the administrative role concept
260			_c1999
300			_ap.171-204
362			_aMay
520			_aThis article reports research on the administrative role concept. The authors use the inductive research technique Q-methodology to probe the belief systems of 69 public administrators about their administrative roles and responsibilities. Results show that these administrators perceive five distinct roles. The authors labeled these roles stewards of the public interest, adapted realists, business like utilitarians, resigned custodians, and practical idealists. There is slight evidence of a neutral competence role as suggested by the Pendleton Act of 1883, Woodrow Wilson, and others (resigned custodian) but more support of a proactive administrative role (steward of the public interest) that overlaps with the role described by recent scholars such as the Blacksburg group. Another important finding is that three of the role conceptions appear to reject being responsive to the desires of elected officials. The five roles are examined in more detail, and the implications for future research are discussed. - Reproduced
650			_aPublic administration
700			_aBrudney, Jeffrey L.
700			_aBrewer, Gene A.
773			_aAdministration and Society
909			_a41449
999			_c41449 _d41449