Reflections on the Distinctiveness of Public Administration as a Discipline

Th e paper discusses some issues which are relevant for the further development of Public Administration as an academic discipline. Firstly, there is reason to be skeptical about universal features of this discipline, as there is much variety in the practice of Public Administration around the world. Secondly, the orientation of Public Administration towards public values is emphasized. Th irdly, the relevance of the concept of a democratic Rechtsstaat as a starting point for the design of Public Administration content must be stressed. And finally, the paper discusses institutional issues, e.g. the question if education of future civil servants should take place at government-controlled schools or within universities.