The Virtual Distinction between Politics and Administration: From the Politics/Administration Dichotomy to an Ideal Type
Author: Thomas Ching-peng Peng
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
The distinction between politics and administration continues to be a controversial topic in the field of public administration research. Although the politics/administration dichotomy has been widely discussed in U.S. public administration literature over the last century, there is no theoretical framework that can adequately explain the distinction between politics and administration. This article discusses the impact of the constitutional system on the distinction and advocates an “ideal model” of the distinction, based on analysis of “politics/administration continuum” and “time” factor. In conclusion, the applications of the ideal model, including research on governmental organizations, public administration, and public officials, are discussed.