Strategy and Theory for Intrapersonal Development in Public Administration Education

Abstract

In an earlier writing, Denhardt and Aristigueta (1996) discussed the need for the development of intrapersonal skills based on the demands being placed on employees in today's ever-changing environment. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for teaching intrapersonal skills within the public administration curriculum. The format described has been used in graduate-level organizational behavior classes in which one-third of the course is devoted to intrapersonal development. This article contains a brief theoretical discussion of the need for intrapersonal development, the inclusion of these skills in public administration education, and sample exercises and inventories for use in the classroom. A final suggestion advocating the use of reflective journals is made in the summary.