Thinking Government: Public Administration and Politics in Canada, Fourth Edition

by David Johnson

Overview

Thinking Government: Public Administration and Politics in Canada, Fourth Edition introduces students to power relations between elected politicians and unelected public servants, while also covering important topics such as the institutions of the federal government, financial and human resources management, and accountability and responsibility. Johnson explores the ways that the ideological framework of this country shapes what Canadians, their political parties, and their governments think about policy actions and the responsibilities of public servants.

The fourth edition is revised and updated throughout, and addresses the legacy of the Harper government on public administration in Canada. Comprehensive pedagogical supports for students highlight key issues in public administration to help connect theories to the reality of practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442635234
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	09/22/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	448
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

David Johnson is a professor of political science at Cape Breton University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Introduction

1. Thinking about Canadian Society and Government

2. Ideologies of Government and Public Service

3. Institutions of Governance

4. Ministers and Cabinet Decision-Making Systems

5. Organizational Design and Management Decision Making

6. Financial Management

7. Human Resources Management

8. Issues in Management Reform

9. Accountability: Responsibility, Responsiveness, and Ethics

10. The Challenges of Leadership

Key Terms

Index

What People are Saying About This

Caroline Dufour

Every question a student, a course instructor, or a public servant might have about the current state of Canadian public administration can be found in this textbook. It clearly and thoroughly explains the functioning and the issues of public administration today. Undergraduate and graduate students, scholars in the field of public administration, and public servants should keep a copy of it handy.

Ken Rasmussen

The latest edition of David Johnson's excellent textbook has now become the true heir to the earlier Kernaghan and Siegel text. It combines a sophisticated understanding of the context and environment of public administration and a solid grounding in all of the major functional areas that aspiring public servants need to be aware of. In addition, it is accompanied by an excellent website that keeps the material relevant and updated. All teachers of public management are indebted to Professor Johnson for his hard work and dedication to keeping this valuable resource fresh.