Case Study :Ethics and Power - The Columbia Accident
For this assessment, you will reflect on the role that political influence plays in the internal decision-making of a public organization.
Consider the questions that Stillman poses at the end of the case study:
1 How did the political environment influence the decision to launch the space shuttle Columbia? Who was involved and who was not?
2 What were the sources of the political pressure? Their points of view?
3 Who was the most responsible for the decision to launch the shuttle? How can one determine "responsible" or "irresponsible" use of administrative power? And ensure its "responsible" use?
4 List the reasons why the "political dimensions" are repeatedly overlooked or ignored? (Stillman, 2010, p. 105)
5 Finally, analyze how the RADAR model might speak to this situation.
Reference:
1 Stillman, R. J., II. (Ed.). (2010). Public administration: Concepts and cases (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth.
2 Ethics and Power - The Columbia Accident Case Study Scoring Guide
Politics and Administration :
Discuss what you think are the most significant problems public administrators face when dealing with the relationship between administration and political influence.
In addition, discuss the following questions:
1 How does Long define administrative power?
2 Why is it important?
3 Are there any differences between administrative power and political power?
4 How is administrative power attained and maintained?