"Public Administrative Behavior and Complexity: A Preliminary Model with Applications," co-authored with Barbara Romzek. Paper prepared for delivery at the 2nd National Public Management Research Conference, University of Wisconsin, Madison, September 30-October 2 1993.
Abstract:
In this paper we take up the challenge of constructing a theory of the middle range based on the adaptation theme of complexity models and demonstrate its applicability to three major issues confronting the field of public administration: Are public agencies manageable? Is the public provision of services replaceable? Is American public administration reformable? We offer an elaboration of an adaptation model — a conceptual infrastructure — that integrates what have have learned from existing middle-range theory research and recent developments in the study of dynamical and complex systems. We then return to those major issues to test the potential utility of this middle-range approach.
