Standard D: Theoretical Approaches
Applying theory to decision-making in public administration is an essential skill. From personnel choices to policy decisions, theory guides informed and impactful decision-making. Management theories like Taylor’s and Weber's can help public managers understand their employees' actions and become more effective managers. The Wilsonian theory can also help a public servant understand the organization's framework and make recommendations based on that structure and knowledge.
Artifact I Narrative:
Artifact I, “The Women’s Bureau: A Changing Public Opinion,” is an essay written in PAPA 5316 for Dr. Joe Rees, applying Wilsonian organizational theory to The Women’s Bureau, a branch of the United States Department of Labor. This essay satisfies objectives one and two of Narrative D. Applying Wilson’s theory and analytical tools, I established a conceptual framework and defined tasks and internal/external environments for the Women’s Bureau. Based upon this framework and knowledge, I understand the Women’s Bureau at a deeper level than a SWOT analysis alone. I can make realistic and achievable recommendations based on my analysis that would benefit their mission and organizational structure. For example, through the application of Wilson’s theory, I made the recommendation of collaboration with other organizations that protect marginalized groups, particularly those that advocate for childcare, as childcare policy impacts women more often than men.
Artifact II Narrative:
Artifact II is a series of memos written in PAPA 5014 for Dr. Dull, applying academic theories presented in class to current events in public administration, satisfying Standard D: Objective One. Memo One applies the theories of Dr. Portillo to the way bureaucracy reacts to and addresses climate change. Memo Two applies the theories of Dr. Friedson, Dr. Kettl, and Dr. Snider to the way public administration is being perceived and valued in the public eye since the COVID-19 pandemic and Donald Trump's second presidential campaign. Memo Three applies theories from Dr. Camilla Stivers and Dr. Friedson to how the work men and women do is valued differently. All three writing samples practically apply complex theories to current political administration topics and reflect a strong understanding of complex concepts as these ideas and theories are understood, analyzed, and related to one another, current events, and the current political climate.
Artifact III Narrative:
Artifact III "House Bill 407" is the final for PAPA 6214 Policy Process Final with Dr. Zuniga, satisfying Standard D Objectives One and Three. In this case study of Virginia’s House Bill 407, political design theory is applied to break down the implementation of the legislation, including the social context, stakeholders, and policy tools. Understanding these policy design theories allowed me to create a professional and in-depth case study of House Bill 407, and allowed me to draw conclusions about its structure and implementation that will assist in policy decisions in my future professional practice.
Stephanie Day
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