Hurdles to an Asian Century of Public Administration

Abstract

This chapter suggests there is not yet a (modern) Asian Century of public administration. The public administration literature is dominated by Western theories, concepts, and practice. Utilisation of structure and value-based framework allows this chapter to unravel “how we know what we know” in public administration, which administrative histories are valued, and how concepts are modified in Asia. The chapter explores several hurdles to an Asian Century of public administration including how scholars are educated, where they publish, language, and the methods utilised. Fully bidirectional intellectual engagement (and not just a West-to-Asia engagement) is necessary for an Asian century of public administration.