FROM STATE TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: AN ANALYSIS OF MANAGERIAL TRAINING IN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Abstract. One of the current challenges on the Ukrainian agenda is how to improve managerial training system that could implement effective democratic reforms in various spheres of public life, and at the same time provide proper protection of the national interests of state. The research objective is to explore an assumption that active and not properly substantiated implementation of modern concepts and approaches in the field of public administration into the science and practice of state administration in Ukraine does not necessarily lead to positive consequences for democratic transformations of state administration, in particular managerial training in higher education system. In this study we distinguish the concept of «State Administration», which is now applicable for Ukraine, from «Public Administration», where the latter may be regarded as only partial equivalent if translating the former one. Based on the analysis of documents including laws, resolutions, orders, etc., as well as descriptive analysis of statistical data, the authors of this study trace the process of transformations of managerial training in higher education system of Ukraine and discuss possible future development scenarios of relevant subject area. An introduction of field of study and specialty «Public Administration» in Ukraine in 2015—2016 does not provide us an answer to question of what essentially constitutes «Public Administration», and what place in this area is occupied by theory and practice of the previously existing «State Administration». These findings let us suggest the most viable direction for development of managerial training in Ukraine is restoration, in accordance with procedure established by law, of field of study «State Administration». Lack of the statist component in training of specialists on specialty «Public Administration» will lead to misunderstanding by future managers of essence of institution in a sovereign state, as well as nature of «State Administration», its social impact, functions and role in regulating social development and economic processes, in particular ensuring safety of population. Keywords: managerial training, field of study, higher education system, state administration, public administration, educational specialty, Ukraine. JEL Classіfіcatіon H10, H11, H19 Formulas: 0; fig.: 1; tabl.: 2; bibl.: 37.