The Paradox of Administrative Power: John Macy and William Armstrong

In: Public policy and administration: PPA, Volume 5, Issue 3, p. 5-18

Abstract

One paradox of administrative power holds that while bureaucracies may be criticized for being unaccountable and unresponsive, they, at the same time, provide necessary benefits for modern, democratic society. An examination of the careers of two civil servants - one American and one British - suggests a second paradox that democratic government in complex administrative states may depend on the administrators' own sense of ethical behaviour. Recent reform efforts in both the United States and Britain have failed to assess the impact of proposed reforms on the socialisation process, the process of inculcating appropriate values and attitudes in the civil service. They may make it less likely that administrative power will be held in check by the norms and ethical standards of civil servants.