Read the assigned article ( The Myth of the Dichotomy (Svara, 2001) The Myth of the Dichotomy (Svara, 2001) – Alternative Formats ) and write a 4- to 5-page review (excluding the title and reference pages) that addresses the following questions. Please do not repeat the questions in your review; instead, use them as a guide in developing your essay.
1. What is the main subject or theme of the article? What are the central questions raised by the author?
2. What are the assumptions the author makes? What are the key theoretical propositions?
3. What are the main arguments or findings of the article? What evidence or data did the author use to arrive at these conclusions?
4. What are the article’s practical contributions to public administration? (In other words, how does it help us understand and manage public/nonprofit organizations?)
5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the article? Provide a strong critique. Critically assess the argument, methodology, and findings.
Be sure to avoid the “strawman’s” trap and overly impressionistic criticisms.
One way to write an excellent critique is by drawing from the extensive readings you have done in this course and throughout the MPA program. For instance, when reviewing an article about Closed System Theories, consider how the formal and hierarchical organizational structure, impersonal relationships, and strong emphasis on efficiency affect individual employees. In addition, you might think about how Open System Theories organizations address some of these limitations.
6. What is your opinion about the findings of the article? How could the argument be improved?
The final question should lead naturally to a thoughtful conclusion that summarizes the main ideas and offers ways to improve the article rather than the usual “I agree with the author”; “I enjoyed reading the article”; etc. Use the following books as a text message.
Chilton, B. S., King, S. M., Foyou, V. E. & McDonald, J. S. (2019). The Public Administration Profession: Policy, Management, and Ethics. Routledge, ISBN: 978-0-8153-5344-7.
Shafritz, J. M. & Hyde, A. C. (2017). Classics of Public Administration. 8th edition. Cengage Learning, ISBN: 978-1-305-63903-4.
