European Public Administration as a Multilevel Administration: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

According to the traditional view, public administration operates in a clearly demarcated jurisdiction, defined by functional responsibilities and territorial boundaries. In line with this view, the system of administration evolving in modern states has been characterized by a hierarchy of higher and lower levels and a division of power among administrative territories and among policy domains. Actually, administrative policy making cuts across these boundaries. Processes of interjurisdictional coordination are essential in the practice of administration. This reality is adequately captured by the concept of administrative governance (Benz, 2006).