Overview
"This book illustrates the need to incorporate local cultural dynamics into international development and public administration programs where Western models dominate. Examples include South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The authors, an American political scientist and an African public administration professor, write for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for policymakers, managers, and administrators"--Provided by publisher.Synopsis
In the past, public administrators have used Western models in the development of emerging countries. Umeh (public affairs and administration, California State U., East Bay) and Andranovich (political science, California State U., Los Angeles) suggest that these models are inadequate and local cultures must become the basis for administration. They consider prior models and present an "interpretive approach" to understanding development in South African Development Community (SADC) nations of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They describe characteristics of administration, the influence of culture, economic development, democratization, decentralization, and post- apartheid South Africa. The book is intended for college students, policymakers, managers, and administrators. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Editorials
From the Publisher
"Offers the reader an overview of the continent, with a particular focus on the countries of the Southern African Development Coordinating Conference. Succinctly, they provide us with a list of the critical issues confronting the administration of those countries, with a particular focus on the range of skills required for the major tasks at hand, constraints, and opportunities. The stress on methodology is particularly well placed in a critical study of culture and a book that wants to avoid dependence on Western models.""Essential reading for students wishing to get a handle on comparative and development administration. Provides readers with a comprehensive, analytically informed, and conceptually sound view of public administration that should open an important window to the reality of developing society."