American Society for Public Administration

Definition

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is a professional association dedicated to advancing the field of public administration and improving the practice of governance in the United States. ASPA serves as a platform for professionals in public service to network, share knowledge, and promote effective management practices. Its focus on ethics, diversity, and social equity makes it an important organization for those pursuing careers in policy analysis and public administration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ASPA was founded in 1939 and has since become a leading organization for public administration professionals, offering resources like conferences, publications, and networking opportunities.
2. The society emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in public administration, advocating for integrity and accountability among public servants.
3. ASPA promotes diversity and inclusion within the field, supporting initiatives that enhance representation and equity in public service roles.
4. Members of ASPA have access to various educational resources, including webinars and workshops focused on current trends and best practices in public administration.
5. The organization publishes a peer-reviewed journal, 'Public Administration Review', which is a key resource for researchers and practitioners in the field.

Review Questions

• How does the American Society for Public Administration support professionals in the field of public administration?
  • The American Society for Public Administration supports professionals by providing a platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration among those in public service. It offers resources such as conferences, publications, and educational opportunities that keep members informed about current trends and best practices. Additionally, ASPA encourages ethical behavior and social equity within the profession, enhancing the overall quality of governance.
• Discuss the role of ethics as promoted by ASPA in shaping effective governance practices.
  • Ethics plays a crucial role in shaping effective governance practices as promoted by ASPA. The organization emphasizes accountability, transparency, and integrity among public administrators, ensuring that they adhere to high ethical standards in their decision-making processes. By advocating for ethical behavior, ASPA helps build trust between public servants and the communities they serve, ultimately leading to more effective policies and better public outcomes.
• Evaluate how ASPA's commitment to diversity impacts future career paths in policy analysis.
  • ASPA's commitment to diversity has a significant impact on future career paths in policy analysis by promoting inclusivity and representation within the field. This focus encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage with public administration roles, enriching perspectives and fostering innovative solutions to complex policy challenges. As a result, policy analysts trained within this inclusive framework are better equipped to address the needs of diverse communities, ultimately leading to more equitable outcomes in public policy.

Related terms

Public Administration: The implementation of government policy and the management of public programs, involving the coordination of resources to achieve desired outcomes.

Policy Analysis: A systematic evaluation of the effects of public policies, including their costs and benefits, to inform decision-making and improve policy outcomes.

Ethics in Governance: The principles and standards that guide the behavior of individuals and organizations in the public sector, promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity.