Against a Study of the History of Public Administration: A Manifesto1

Abstract

What is the value of administrative history for the study of public administration? It is common to stress the enlightenmentfunction history can have for theorists and practitioners. Thus administrative history is presented as an independent topic next to the “real” study of public administration. It is time to “tum the tables”. Administrative history is not “just a topic” to students of public administration, it is the very subject matter of their enterprise. Historical sources are used in abundance in the study of public administration. This is hardly ever noticed or acknowledged. Public Administration scholars do not pay attention to the nature of historical research as part of their methodology. It should be realized, however, that Public Administrationists do constantly generate histories and undertake research with strong historical dimensions. This manifesto argues that the historical perspective should be considered part of the core of the study of public administration.