CHAPTER 5 - Research

Abstract

This chapter discusses the need for more research and postgraduate work in the field of public administration. The field of public administration is marred by three major obstacles to expansion of research, namely, the attitude of mind, difficulties inherent in the subject matter such as the need for secrecy on political and administrative processes, and the inadequacy of available resources. The Joint University Council for Social and Public Administration is very conscious of the need for research and sponsored a Local Government Research Conference in 1963 and published a report of the proceedings. The research activities of the Royal Institute of Public Administration (RIPA) stretch back to the 1930's when grants from the Spellman Fund (USA financed limited projects. The RIPA prepares annually for private circulation a Register of Research into Political Science. This is sponsored jointly by the Public Administration Committee of the Joint University Council for Social and Public Administration and the Political Studies Association. The Local Government Educational Trust, which was set up in February 1966, is intended to carry out comprehensive and continuous studies into local government in Britain, Europe, and the Commonwealth.