Research in Public Administration: Some Notes and Suggestions

T IS one of the marks of a profession that its members consciously work toward the advancement of knowledge in their field. Where the profession is organized, one of the purposes of its association in virtually all cases is to promote and facilitate research. Those in public administration have a professional drive, expressed through a vigorous society which marks this year its seventeenth birthday. With new financial resources and an expanded program it can look forward to bursting the bonds of adolescence. The central theme of this paper is that it is now time for critical assessment of where the profession stands in the matter of advancement of knowledge. In spite of the pride it may rightfully take in the achievements to date, there is much to be done in the field of research.