For the last decade or so, a group of public management scholars have been researching complexity theory and its application in the public administration and policy contexts (Koliba et al 2016, Rhodes et al 2011, Head 2010).... [ view full abstract ]
For the last decade or so, a group of public management scholars have been researching complexity theory and its application in the public administration and policy contexts (Koliba et al 2016, Rhodes et al 2011, Head 2010). In spite of calls encouraging the application of theory to practice (OECD 2009), there has been little attention paid to how this research has translated into practice or indeed into the teaching of public management that would facilitate this translation.
Ignoring for the moment, the possibility that the reason we haven’t seen evidence of complexity-based practice is that we haven’t looked, another possible reason for the paucity of evidence in complexity-based practice may arise from the lack of effective teaching of relevant constructs and theories to existing and potential future public administrators and scholars. It would be instructive to know if/how academics are translating complex systems research and theory-building into the classroom and to what effect.
Following a brief discussion of this topic during the 'complexity panel' at IRSPM 2015, the proposers circulated a 'call for inputs' to their network on how complexity theory is being incorporated into curricula for public administration courses. The responses are currently being reviewed and clarifications sought, but the initial impression is that students find the uncertainty surrounding the application of complexity disconcerting, but that once they engage with the content and have an opportunity to discuss actual cases and/or simulations they embrace the complexity perspective. One respondent commented that she received feedback from a student, "...the framing of issues is so helpful. Why has no one ever introduced us to these ideas before now?"
We would be delighted to explore the above questions, issues and concerns further with other fellow travellers during the 'unpanel' on Teaching and Education at IRSPM 2017.
Head, Brian William (2010) "Public Management Research", Public Management Review, 12:5, 571-585
Koliba, C., Gerrits, L., Rhodes, M. L. & Meek, J. W. (2016). Complexity theory, Networks and Systems Analysis. In Handbook of Theories of Governance, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
OECD. (2009). Applications of complexity science for public policy: New tools for finding unanticipated consequences and unrealized opportunities. Global Science Forum. Retrieved: 19/10/2016: https://www.oecd.org/science/sci-tech/43891980.pdf
Rhodes, ML, J. Murphy, J. Muir & J. Murray (2011) Public Management & Complexity Theory: Richer Decision Making in Irish Public Services, UK: Routledge
