Epistemological Possibilities of Public Administration Theories: from Paradigms to Epistemic Matrices

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Keywords:

public administration, paradigms, epistemic matrices

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the literature on public administration by conducting epistemological research on the main trends in the field, updating them with the Circle of Epistemic Matrices proposed by Paes de Paula (2016). For this, (a) it starts from the essay written by Andion (2012), which carried out a critical study on the trajectory of the field of public administration in Brazil and the different theoretical lines that compose it, based on the paradigms model built by Burrell and Morgan (1979); and (b) it analyzes the main lines that compose the field of public administration, called State-centric, Pluralist, New Public Administration New Public Service, and Digital Era Governance, in light of the Circle of Epistemic Matrices proposed by Paes de Paula. As results, it confirms that functionalist sociological approaches have a strong influence on the field of public administration. Greater dialogue is suggested between the lines that compose the field and the development of new matrix propositions – giving special attention to the digital transformation driven by Digital Era Governance and by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-) health crisis – taking into account that the instrumental rational logic is insufficient to explain the phenomena of the reality, even if it is needed for streamlining public goods and interests. Finally, reflections are presented along with an agenda for future research. 

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Author Biographies

Patrícia Araújo Silva, State University of Ceará

Master’s in administration from the State University of Ceará (UECE). Works as an administrator at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). 

E-mail: patricia.araujo@ufc.br 

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3809-0649

 

Ana Cristina Batista-dos-Santos, State University of Ceará

PhD in administration from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Professor and researcher at the State University of Ceará (UECE). 

E-mail: ana.batista@uece.br

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8838-6937

Published

2022-05-10

How to Cite

1.
Silva PA, Batista-dos-Santos AC. Epistemological Possibilities of Public Administration Theories: from Paradigms to Epistemic Matrices. Organ. Soc. [Internet]. 2022May10 [cited 2024Mar.29];29(101). Available from: https://periodicos.ufba.br/index.php/revistaoes/article/view/44285

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Articles