Patricia M. Shields

Intermediate Theory: The Missing Link to Successful Student Scholarship

Abstract Since 1998, five Texas State University students’ capstone papers have won the Pi Alpha Alpha master’s student paper award. This success rate is attributed to students’ mastery of the the art of building and using intermediate theory or conceptual frameworks in the early stages of the Applied Research Project. This article introduces the notion of micro-conceptual frameworks and explains how students use them to connect all aspects of empirical inquiry—problem definition, purpose, literature review, methodology, data collection, and analysis. These conceptual frameworks act like maps that give coherence to the enterprise, and they are a critical missing link in successful student empirical research.

The Community of Inquiry: Classical Pragmatism and Public Administration

This article argues that the community of inquiry notion of the classical pragmatists has much to offer public administration theory and practice. The community of inquiry is an ideal position from which public administrators can effectively examine how they approach problems, consider data, and communicate. Participatory democracy is a vital component of the community of inquiry developed by John Dewey and Jane Addams. The recognition of participatory democracys place in public administration is underdeveloped. The community of inquiry context provides a useful lens to show how participatory democracy can nurture a creative public service.

Pragmatism Exploring Public Administration's Policy Imprint

Public administrators are often described as pragmatic. Yet few scholars have investigated what this might mean. This article introduces the notion of policy imprint-the effect that professional groups have on policy. Pragmatism is championed as an organizing principle that explains the public administration (PA) policy imprint. The pragmatism of William James and John Dewey is described and applied to PA. Because PA leaves its imprint where theory and practice meet, the article examines the theory-practice nexus through the lenses of pragmatism. Finally, pragmatisms link to democracy is developed.Public administrators are often described as pragmatic. Yet few scholars have investigated what this might mean. This article introduces the notion of policy imprint-the effect that professional groups have on policy. Pragmatism is championed as an organizing principle that explains the public administration (PA) policy imprint. The pragmatism of William James and John Dewey is described and applied to PA. Because PA leaves its imprint where theory and practice meet, the article examines the theory-practice nexus through the lenses of pragmatism. Finally, pragmatisms link to democracy is developed.

Classical Pragmatism Does Not Need an Upgrade Lessons for Public Administration

In 2003, Administration& Society published Patricia Shieldss “The Community of Inquiry: Classical Pragmatism and Public Administration.” Shortly thereafter, Hugh Miller responded with “Old Pragmatism Needs and Upgrade” in the Disputatio Sine Fine section of Administration& Society. He argued that scholars like Shields, Evans, and Snider should incorporate the ideas of Richard Rorty into their scholarship. Millers article was followed by a series of 9 essays debating the merits of Dewey and Rorty for public administration. This article summarizes the debate and argues that Classical Pragmatism does not need an upgrade.

Out of the Woods Facilitating Pragmatic Inquiry and Dialogue

In “Into the Woods,” Karen Evans describes an increasingly hollow public administration environment that is shaped by a misplaced quest for efficiency. She looks to the pragmatism of John Dewey as a way to remedy the situation. This article extends her analysis by linking pragmatism to reflective thought, inquiry, nonlinear dynamics, and communication theories. Finally, a few suggestions for how to more fully take pragmatism to the PA workplace are discussed.

A Pragmatic Teaching Philosophy

Patricia M. Shields is the recipient of the 2002 NASPAA Excellence in Teaching Award, given “in recognition of outstanding contributions to education for public service through excellence in teaching.”

Classical Pragmatism: Engaging Practitioner Experience

Published in Administration & Society , Vol. 36, No. 3, July 2004. 351-361 (Copyright 2004 Sage Publications)

Zen and the Art of Higher Education Maintenance: bridging classic and romantic notions of Quality 1

Abstract In the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig clarifies the meaning of quality in higher education. He identifies two ways of viewing quality‐‐classic and romantic. He argues that the fullest meaning of quality contains both. Using Pirsigs insight as a point of departure, this article explores the nature of both romantic and classic quality in higher education. The ideas of Alfred Whitehead are used to clarify the nature of romantic quality in university life. Finally, the contemporary Quality literature is examined using insights from Pirsig, Dewey and Whitehead. 1I would like to thank members of the committee and SWT colleagues such as Gordon Thyberg, Suji Singh, Brian Montgomery, Sue Hall, Kathlyn Dailey, Kim Graves, Bruce Renfro, Sue McCullough, Vicki Meehan‐Clark, Vince Luizzi, Nancy Warren, Jeff Kaufmann, George Weinberger, and Susan Griffith for their insight and encouragement. Special thanks to Kenneth Ashworth, former Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, for...

Democracy and the Social Feminist Ethics of Jane Addams: A Vision for Public Administration

In Democracy and Social Ethics, feminist, settlement worker, peace activist, social reformer, and scholar Jane Addams articulates a bottom up participatory democracy. The elements of her social democracy (social claim, sympathetic understanding, experience, scientific attitude, dignity of the everyday, idealized rule of living) are described and linked to Addams social feminisms. Her conceptualization of democracy contrasts and complements with the more commonly used political democracy. Her theory of democracy also speaks to the lived experience of public administration.

A New Paradigm for Military Policy: Socioeconomics

Socioeconomics is a new, more moral economic theory developed by Amitai Etzioni. Its purpose is to replace neoclassical economics. This article advocates socioeconomics as a paradigm for military policy and begins by showing how neoclassical economics has influenced military policy. Criticisms of the neoclassical approach by military sociologists are reviewed. Socioeconomics is briefly explained, key elements of the two models are compared, and socioeconomics is applied to the military. Socioeconomics shed light on both the careerism vs. professionalism and leadership vs. management debates. Moskoss I-O model, is also an application of socioeconomics.