Public HRM has been experiencing rapid change for more than 20 years. Many current issues were virtually unknown in the 1960s. In the process of addressing issues, we will consider underlying values, assumptions, and critical arguments, thus providing preparation for issues which may become dominant in the future, but which may be only dimly apparent now. This course also considers the behavior of individuals within the context of public organizational settings. Particular emphasis is placed on the organizational and hierarchical context of human behavior.
Heavy emphasis is placed on the issues and debates of the field.
Political Science 536 has been designated as a service learning course at the University, as designated by the Lowell L. Bennion Community Service Center. Students have the opportunity and the option of engaging in community service as part of their course requirements. This is considered an important option because many MPA students find themselves working in public agencies during their career. These agencies are created for the public good, but many times public managers have had no direct experience with the disadvantaged and underprivileged of our society. Such direct experience with individuals in need can only enhance one's public management experience, and enrich one's judgment while performing in responsible positions of public trust.