The confrontation between the boss follower and civic cultures was once a major feature of politics and public administration. How important do you think it is today in (a) legislative politics involving public administration, (b) urban politics and administration, and (c) public administration generally? What accounts for the differences (or similarities) in these three areas?

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The Answer is (a) Legislative politics involving public administration: The confrontation between the boss follower and civic cultures remains important in legislative politics involving public administration. This is because the clash between these two cultures often shapes the decision-making processes within legislative bodies. The boss follower culture, characterized by top-down hierarchical control and centralized decision-making, may clash with the civic culture that emphasizes participation, transparency, and accountability. This clash can impact the formulation and implementation of public policies and administrative practices.

(b) Urban politics and administration: In urban politics and administration, the confrontation between the boss follower and civic cultures continues to be significant. Urban areas often have diverse populations with varying needs and priorities, and the clash between these two cultures can influence how resources are allocated, services are delivered, and development decisions are made within urban settings. The boss follower culture may prioritize political expediency and patronage, while the civic culture may advocate for inclusive and participatory governance processes.

(c) Public administration generally: The confrontation between the boss follower and civic cultures remains important in public administration generally. The organizational culture within public agencies can shape how policies are implemented, how services are delivered, and how public servants engage with the community. The clash between these two cultures can impact the efficiency, effectiveness, and legitimacy of public administration.

The differences in the importance of the confrontation between these cultures in the three areas may be attributed to the unique dynamics and priorities within legislative politics, urban settings, and public administration. For example, legislative politics may be more influenced by partisan politics and power dynamics, while urban politics may be shaped by the needs of diverse communities and the competition for resources. Public administration generally may be influenced by the organizational culture of specific agencies and the broader societal expectations for public service delivery. However, the similarities in the importance of this confrontation across these three areas lie in the fundamental tension between centralized control and participatory governance, which continues to be a defining feature of politics and public administration.

The Confrontation Between the Boss Follower and Civic Cultures Was