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What is theory? What do theorists do? Doctoral students and academics often engage with theory, but there is sometimes misunderstanding about what theory is, does, and explains. This book explores these questions. The aim of the volume is to demystify the word 'theory'.
List of contents
Introduction 1. Reckoning with Theoretical Research: A Heuristic for Gauging and Writing Public Administration Theory 2. Pariahs No More? On the Status of Theory and Theorists in Contemporary Public Administration 3. The University in the Knowledge Economy: Academic Capitalism and Its Implications for Doctoral Students in Public Administration 4. Advice to a Young Person Concerning Theory 5. Public Administration Theory as a Discourse 6. Back to the Future: Theorists as Facilitators of Voice, Yesterday and Today 7. Tools and Toys: Theory as Practical Play 8. Intersubjective Voices: The Role of the “Theorist” 9. What's the Use in Being Practical? Conclusion
About the author
Staci M. Zavattaro is Professor of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida, Florida, USA. She served as editor-in-chief of Administrative Theory & Praxis from 2018 to 2023. Her books include Cities for Sale, Place Branding Through Phases of the Image, and Social Media to Government: Theory and Practice (edited with Dr. Thomas Bryer).
Summary
What is theory? What do theorists do? Doctoral students and academics often engage with theory, but there is sometimes misunderstanding about what theory is, does, and explains. This book explores these questions. The aim of the volume is to demystify the word ‘theory’.
