June 27, 2018

   
ASPA Website | PA TIMES.org


In This Issue:

Public Administration Review Impact Factor Hits Top of List

Public Administration Review (PAR), the discipline's premier professional journal, is now ranked 1st of the 47 journals in Clarivate Analytic's 2017 Journal Citation Report.

PAR's two-year impact factor had made a considerable jump from 2.636 to 3.473 in 2016, and now stands at 4.591 (for 2017). The Journal of Public Administration Theory and Research, which holds the No. 2 spot on the list, has an impact factor of 3.907. Other journals on the list include Governance, Journal of Policy Analysis & Management and Review of Public Personnel Administration, all of which maintain competitive impact factors and top rankings in the public administration category.

The impact factor measures citations in a given impact factor year (2017 in this case) to papers published in the prior two years (2015 and 2016). Annual increases in citations during the impact factor year naturally lead to an increased score. Some of the top papers contributing to PAR's impact factor cover topics like public service motivation, citizen participation and evidence and policymaking.

This ranking is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the work performed by Jim Perry's editorial team, which managed PAR from 2012-2017. The current editorial team, led by Jeremy Hall and J. Paul Battaglio, began its leadership in January 2018 and continues to work to maintain the journal's status in the discipline.

"We are extremely excited by this news," stated Hall. "It is a testament to all the hard work on the part of PAR authors in producing cutting edge research and to the many PAR reviewers and editorial team members who volunteer countless hours of time to the journal. Let's keep climbing!"

"This is tremendous news,"" stated Perry. "It shows we did lots of things well. My continuing thanks to Rick Feiock, Gregg Van Ryzin, Elise Boruvka and the Wiley staff for their efforts. The impact factor is testimony to everyone's contribution."

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Federal Government Overhaul Proposed

Significant news hit the U.S. federal government last week, when the Trump administration announced a plan to reorganize and restructure government agencies to become more efficient and effective. The plan has been covered in various ways through most government media, including a number of articles and op-eds including:

The plan is the result of a directive Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director Mick Mulvaney issued to federal leaders in Spring 2017, urging them to find ways to merge overlapping programs and offices. The directive was welcomed by many government experts as a good start to a long-overdue process.

One thing the resulting plan does not include is a plan to shed jobs, which was originally part of the directive. Rather, according to OMB deputy director for management Margaret Weichert, the plan focuses on aligning resources and reskilling the current workforce to prepare for the increase in retirees in the coming decade.

The plan itself is far-reaching and touches most aspects of the federal government, but many elements will need to be approved by Congress, which means change will come slowly, if at all. Here is a summary of some of the highest-level proposals; read through the above links for more coverage and analysis.

  • One of the most visible proposals is to merge the Departments of Education and Labor, to move all skills training within one agency. This is not the first initiative proposed to eliminate the Department of Education and will require Congressional approval in order to be acted upon.
  • The second-most visible proposal is to revamp OPM, including moving background investigations to the Department of Defense (DOD); moving employee benefit management to the General Services Administration; and moving personnel to the OMB. While much of this will require Congress to enact, efforts are already underway to move background investigations to the Pentagon, though no timeframe has been specified.
  • Major changes to benefits for low-income Americans are also being proposed, including moving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly known as SNAP) out of the Department of Agriculture and into the Department of Health and Human Services. (Read this op-ed for more details about the proposed changes and their impact.)
  • While they have not made major headlines yet, technological advances are discussed throughout the plan, including a requirement to digitize all paper processes by Dec. 31, 2022; and to establish a research center (aptly named the Government Effectiveness Advanced Research Center) that will operate similarly to a think-tank and look at how government can harness new technology for the federal workforce.
  • Also under discussion is decentralizing the Washington, DC workforce and moving jobs to other locations around the country. Some of these moves are to enable the government to make better use of office space that currently exists in other locations, as well as to enable OMB to rethink property acquisition.

These are certainly not the only changes being considered, thought they are some of the most high-profile. Keep your eyes on the news in the coming weeks and months, as Congress begins its deliberations.

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KeepingCurrent, BookTalks and Student Series on the Horizon

ASPA's webinars are ongoing throughout the year. Averaging 75 attendees per event and free to ASPA members, these free e-learning opportunities provide you with valuable insights and information at your fingertips. Visit our website to stay informed about all upcoming webinars including KeepingCurrent, BookTalks and the Student and New Professionals Series.


Student and New Professionals Webinar: Building a Strong Professional Network
July 12 | 1 p.m.
Presenters:
Alex Tremble, U.S. National Park Service
Kitty Wooley, Retired

None of us can go it alone in this world. To be successful in your career, you need a good network of (professional) friends, colleagues, mentors and allies. This webinar will help you learn how to start building that cohort.




BookTalk: Jane Addams: Progressive Pioneer of Peace, Philosophy, Sociology, Social Work and Public Administration
Aug. 30 | 1 p.m.
Presenters:
Patricia Shields, Texas State University
Mary Guy, Moderator, University of Colorado Denver

This book examines the life and works of Jane Addams, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Leading an international women's peace movement and spearheading a first-of-its-kind conference of women at The Hauge during World War I, Addams was a prophetic peace theorist whose work is still underestimated today. Join author Pat Shields and moderator Mary Guy for a thorough look at Addams' contributions and their relevancy to our work today.




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Focus on Membership: Update Your Profile

By now you should have seen messages from us asking you to update your profile, but as of this date, fewer than 300 of you have done so!

This request is for your benefit. ASPA has thousands of members and we reach out to each of you through as many as 10 messages every week. Please tell us as much as possible about yourself, your professional role and your communications preferences so we can gear these communications to your personal needs.

The survey is brief and takes less than two minutes to complete—a small investment of time to ensure going forward that you are being contacted the right way with information you want and need.



Questions? Contact us and we will be happy to help!

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A Tax Windfall Headed to a State Near You?

Internet sales tax rules changed substantially last week when the Supreme Court overturned a 20-year-old decision that limited online sales tax collection. In the case of South Dakota v. Wayfair, the court ruled in favor of South Dakota, enabling states to collect sales taxes on out-of-state online sales.

States collectively are estimating up to $23 billion in additional tax revenues as a result of this decision, stemming the tide of sales tax losses they have been facing in recent years as Internet sales grow.

There are still many questions states will need to answer, including the threshold for requiring businesses to comply, what to do with the additional revenue, how to implement new legislation and whether Congress will take action. Keep your eyes on the news as states begin enacting legislation.

Click here and here for more information.

Will your state act on this? Want to share more information with our readers? Contact us!

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We Called, You Answered!

In the last edition of The Bridge, ASPA called for historic editions of Public Administration Review (PAR)—and you answered! Specifically, long time member Jim Brunet answered, providing ASPA with a treasure trove of old editions, including the very first edition! A unique find (many have never seen it), it is in ASPA's collection now and will be treasured.

Thank you, Jim, and North Carolina State School of Public and International Affairs, for your valued contributions to our archive.

We are still missing a few select editions. If you have an archive of PAR editions you are willing to donate, contact us! Who knows what treasures we'll find!


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News of Note

For those who follow Route Fifty for state government news coverage, you may have seen a headline last week about Living Cities' Racial Equity Here initiative, which is responsible for helping a handful of cities across the country address specific disparities within their communities. After some success with these pilot cities, the initiative is being spun off to 191 cities and private partners, all of whom are committed to ending structural racism. This is an excellent example of theory-to-practice.

If you are interested in learning more, click here to read the Route Fifty article and here to learn more about Living Cities' work.


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Welcome New ASPA Members!
Click here to view the most recent new ASPA members!

 

Policy White Paper Request for Proposals

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA), through its Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee (GAPC), and The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), are seeking proposals to develop a policy white paper: "Blockchain Technology: Local Government Applications and Challenges." This white paper aims to identify leading practices in blockchain technology that are being tested or may be applied to improve local government services, address financial efficiencies and accessibility, and achieve community goals. ICMA is offering a $6,000 stipend to the selected author. All proposals must be submitted no later than June 29 to Elizabeth Kellar, ICMA. Click here for more information.

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"Willingness to Donate" Survey Closes on June 30

If you have not already done so, click the link below to participate in a survey by researchers from Rutgers University and James Madison University that explores "willingness to donate." The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and participants can register for a $5 Western Union gift card. Survey questions are related to association members' preferred donation amounts when supporting professional associations (including those such as ASPA). Results of this survey hopefully will help inform dues-level decisions for association leaders. Click here to access the survey. The survey will be closing at the end of June for ASPA members. Please contact Cleopatra Charles with any questions.

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2018 Teaching Public Administration Conference

As national governments around the world continue their efforts to ameliorate the impacts of global shifts in migration; inequalities between rich and poor countries; collapse of global financial markets; and an ongoing lack of trust in politicians, they are also making decisions on how to organize and structure representative democratic institutions fit for the 21st century. The complexity of 'wicked issues' not only are demanding greater levels of public spending in an era of financial constraints, but also are forcing public servants and politicians to situate innovation and enterprise as core governmental activities. This year's Teaching Public Administration Conference (TPAC) joins the UK Public Administration Committee of the Joint University Council Annual Conference at Northumbria University, Sept. 10-12, to discuss these significant topics. Abstracts/ideas for themes/open panel/papers must be submitted by TPAC's extended deadline of June 30, 2018 to Pamela Dunning of Troy University. Click here for more information.

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2018 SECoPA Awards Calls for Nominations Open

SECoPA is accepting nominations for the Boorsma Award and the Kathryn E. Hensley Distinguished Public Service Practitioner Award.

The Boorsma Award honors a practitioner or academician for facilitating over a period of many years the international exchange of knowledge and administrative practices that foster better performance in the public sector. The deadline to submit nominations is July 1, 2018. Click here for more information about the Boorsma Award.

The Kathryn E. Hensley Distinguished Public Service Practitioner Award recognizes sustained, outstanding achievement in, and contributions to, public administration and public service through applied practice in the field. All nominations are due by July 20, 2018. Click here for more information.

The award will be presented at the 2018 SECoPA conference, taking place Sept. 20-23 in Birmingham, AL.

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Professional Development through the Andrew Young School's Center for State and Local Finance

The Andrew Young School's Center for State and Local Finance invites you to register for a full year of executive education courses, beginning this summer. Class participants typically include chief financial officers, finance directors, budget and procurement staff, county administrators and others looking to hone their skills and advance their careers. The full course schedule is as follows:

  • Government Financial Statement and Accounting: July 17-20, 2018 (Deadline July 2)
  • Governmental Leadership: Politics, Communication and Influence: Aug. 15-17, 2018 (Deadline Aug. 1)
  • Debt Management: Sept. 12-14, 2018 (Deadline Aug. 28)
  • Treasury and Investment Management: Nov. 7-9, 2018 (Deadline Oct. 24)
  • Forecasting (Special Session): Jan. 24-25, 2019 (Deadline Jan. 9, 2019)
  • Operating and Capital Budgeting: March 13-15, 2019 (Deadline Feb. 27, 2019)
  • Cost Analysis (Special Session): April 16-17, 2019 (Deadline April 2, 2019)
  • Retirement, Risk Management and Procurement: May 15-17, 2019 (Deadline May 1, 2019)

Fees for the two-days courses are $350; three-day courses are $500; four-day courses are $700. Click here to learn more about the executive education program and to register.

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11th Annual Public Performance Conference Call for Proposals

Scheduled for Oct. 18-19, this year's conference is co-hosted by ASPA and Suffolk University, in partnership with ASPA's Section on Public Performance and Management. The conference will look at using data to improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services around the theme, "Turning Data into Action: What Every Public and Nonprofit Manager Needs to Know About Data-Driven Change". Expected tracks include innovative practices in public and nonprofit organizations; creating a culture of performance; open data and technology; local and county performance; state and federal performance; and engaging citizens. All proposals are due by July 16, 2018. Click here for more information.

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2018 International Conference and Workshops on Participatory/Gender Responsive Budgeting Call for Abstracts

Taking place Nov. 14-16 around the theme, "Bridging the Gap Between Gender Responsive Budgeting and Participatory Budgeting", this year's International Conference and Workshops on Participatory/Gender Responsive Budgeting Nexus: African Context and Perspectives will take place in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Looking at seven sub-themes, including public budgeting and gender nexus; sustainable development goals and gender budgeting; sustainable development goals and participatory budgeting; gender budgeting and taxation; gender budgeting and government expenditures; participatory budgeting outcomes; and gender responsive budgeting outcomes, this conference will focus on those who have historically been excluded from the budget process, especially women and the indigent. Abstracts are due for consideration by July 31, 2018. Click here for more information.

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2018 NECOPA Call for Proposals

The 2018 NECOPA will take place Nov. 2-4 at the University of Baltimore. Its theme will be, "Blind Spots in Public Administration: Looking Inward to Improve Responses to Changing Landscapes". We all have intellectual blind spots: those issues or topics where our view is obstructed from seeing clearly. In these spaces, we are literally blind to what is happening and, as a result, unable to gather information to change our point of view. What intellectual blind spots exist for public administration and our broader system of governance? On what topics is our view obstructed? Where are voices hushed or silenced and whose voices are they? This conference aims to consider these questions in an attempt to uncover, explore and address these blinds spots. The deadline for priority proposal consideration is Aug. 1, 2018. Submit paper or poster proposals (250 word limit) or fully formed panel proposals (400 word limit) here. Click here for more information.

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2018 International Conference on Public Administration Call for Papers

Co-hosted by ASPA, Syracuse University's Maxwell School and University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, this year's International Conference on Public Administration will take please in Chengdu, China, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2. The theme for the event will be, "Improving Agility of Government Organizations". Themes and sub-topics will include "smart government" and lessons learned; promising practices in detecting and responding to changing risks and opportunities; balancing costs vs. benefits of improved agility; agility in upgrading delivery of public services; where agility works best; agile acquisition of IT systems; and public private partnerships: do they make government more or less agile? The conference committees will select and recommend the best papers for publication in one of the industry's premier journals including Public Administration Review, Chinese Public Administration and Chinese Public Administration Review. All abstracts are due for consideration by Aug. 15, 2018. Click here for more information.

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World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Economic Inequality Takes Place This September

Scheduled for Sept. 26-29 in Brazil, this conference will encompass disparities in public health, education, civic engagement, socioeconomic standing and representation. Subtopics include: longer term consequences of persistent poverty and inequality in access to quality health care among low income, racial and ethnic minority group members; comparative analysis of the effectiveness of alternative policy interventions designed to reduce racial and ethnic economic inequality; problems of political corruption and uneven development; causes and consequences of inequalities in access to health care and alternative health care delivery systems; racial identity and the evolution of policies in higher education, public employment and government contracting and procurement; and innovative policies designed to remedy racial and ethnic economic inequality: baby bonds, universal employment, guaranteed minimum income plans. Click here for more information.

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Biden Challenge at University of Delaware Scheduled for September

This Sept. 27-28, the University of Delaware is hosting The Biden Challenge: How to Revitalize the Middle Class. Based on a challenge Vice President Biden issued last fall—What policy solutions do you propose to ensure America has a growing and thriving middle class, and that they continue to be relevant?—this event is built entirely for scholars and practitioners to provide policy solutions for the problems facing the middle class, which Vice President Biden may be able to put into action. Participants will engage in panels and idea exchanges on the future of employment and education, the role of innovation, budget priorities and infrastructure investments. Click here for more information and registration details.

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2018 ABFM Research Conference This October

The Association for Budgeting and Financial Management's annual research conference will be held Oct. 4-6 in Denver. Click here for more information.

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Section on Democracy and Social Justice Call for Nominations

ASPA's Section on Democracy and Social Justice has opened its 2019 Best Book Award call for nominations, to be presented at ASPA's 2019 Annual Conference. Author(s) of the selected article will be honored during the Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Award Luncheon. All nominations are due by Nov. 16, 2018. Click here for more information.

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PAR Update

A new online-only symposium of open access, highly cited articles is available online. Access it here.

As noted earlier in this newsletter, PAR will be publishing the best paper that focuses on identifying and analyzing current public administration trends in theory and practice from this year's International Conference on Public Administration. Make sure you submit your abstract for the conference by Aug. 15; only those attending the conference will be considered for the best paper award. More information is online here and on the ICPA website.

Below appears the table of contents for PAR issue 78(4). Check out what is appearing in this upcoming edition!

The Limits and Possibilities of Volunteering: A Framework for Explaining the Scope of Volunteer Involvement in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
Rebecca Nesbit, Robert K. Christensen and Jeffrey L. Brudney

Who Engages in the Coproduction of Local Public Services and Why? The Case of Atlanta, Georgia
Kelechi Uzochukwu and John Clayton Thomas

Intermunicipal Cooperation in the Netherlands: The Costs and the Effectiveness of Polycentric Regional Governance
Pieter‐Jan Klok, Bas Denters, Marcel Boogers and Maurits Sanders

How Voluntary Environmental Programs Reduce Pollution
William McGuire, Phi Cong Hoang and Aseem Prakash

Should Government Go It Alone or With a Partner? A Comparison of Outcomes from a Work Release Program Using Different Policy Tools
Haeil Jung, Deanna Malatesta and Robert J. LaLonde

Regional Governance and Institutional Collective Action for Environmental Sustainability
Hongtao Yi, Liming Suo, Ruowen Shen, Jiasheng Zhang, Anu Ramaswami and Richard C. Feiock

Theory to Practice: Policy Recommendations for Fostering Economic Development through Social Capital
Trent A. Engbers and Barry M. Rubin

Explaining Self-Interested Behavior of Public-Spirited Policy Makers
Eyal Zamir and Raanan Sulitzeanu‐Kenan

Assessing Qualitative Studies in Public Administration Research
Sonia M. Ospina, Marc Esteve and Seulki Lee

RNICE Model: Evaluating the Contribution of Replication Studies in Public Administration and Management Research
Mogens Jin Pedersen and Justin M. Stritch

Understanding Local Service Delivery Arrangements: Are the ICMA ASD Data Reliable?
Meeyoung Lamothe, Scott Lamothe and Elizabeth Bell

Does the Motivation for Market-Based Reform Matter? The Case of Responsibility-Centered Management
Amanda Rutherford and Thomas Rabovsky

The Future of Leadership in Public Universities: Is Shared Leadership the Answer?
Craig L. Pearce, Christina L. Wassenaar and Bob G. Wood

The Political Use of Evidence and Its Contribution to Democratic Discourse
Caroline Schlaufer, Iris Stucki and Fritz Sager


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Public Integrity Update



For the latest news on Public Integrity's articles and topics getting international attention, join the Journal's Twitter page: https://twitter.com/PubIntegrity, or our other active sites at:

Websites:
Public Integrity
ASPA
LinkedIn
Facebook

Public Integrity has added new ethics videos to our YouTube channel for free use in the classroom, workshops and professional viewing. The full list appears below.

Playlists include integrity, ethical decisionmaking, organizational ethics, ethics and integrity research, and corruption. If you have published an article in Public Integrity and would like to contribute a video that is in accordance with the journal's mission, please submit your idea for consideration to [email protected]. You can find our journal information at http://www.tandfonline.com/MPIN.

Social Ethics: Patricia M. Shields
Whistleblower Part 1: Joel Clement
Whistleblower and Climate Change Part 2: Joel Clement
Sustainability and Ethics: Haris Alibasic
Questions and Ethical Reflection: Patrick Dobel
Jane Addams' Social Ethics: Patricia M. Shields
Impact of Global International Agreements on Ethics and Public Administration Around the World: Stuart Gilman
Ethics in the U.S. Government: Stuart Gilman
Integrity Systems: Stuart Gilman
Ethics and Contractors: Andrew Podger
Ethics, Law and Morality: Donald Menzel
Ethical Considerations in Program Evaluation: Maria Aristigueta
Research on Gender Representation in Public Administration Scholarship: Gina Scuteinicu and Dr. Hillary Knepper
Personal Integrity: Patrick Dobel
LGBT Homeless Youth in America: Richard Greggory Johnson, III
Design Approach to Administrative Ethics: Terry L. Cooper
How Do Ethical Principles Develop?: Richard M. Jacobs
Philosophical Frameworks for Ethics: Carole Jurkiewicz
Ethics and Emergency Management: Brian Gerber
How Are Ethical Decisions Made?: Richard M. Jacobs
Organized Crime and Ethics—Undermining Crime: Emile Kolthoff
Ethical Decision Making: Rob Bittick
Integrity: What It Is and Why It Is So Important: Leo Huberts
Why Do Codes of Ethics Matter?: James Svara
Discretionary Judgement and Ethics: Raymond W. Cox, III
Ethical Competence: Donald C. Menzel
Ethics and Lying: Carole L. Jurkiewicz
Intellectual Shamans: Sandra Waddock
Spiritual Maturity as a Precondition for Ethical Decision Making: Andre L. Delbecq
Lawfulness and Ethics in Administrative Action: Anna Simonati
Research on Corruption: Krishna Tummala
How Can You Interact with Others to Promote Ethical Practices: James Svara
Judging the Ethical Behavior of Public Employees: Manfred F. Meine
What is an Ethical Dilemma?: Richard M. Jacobs
Ethical Leadership Amidst Crisis in the British National Service: Sharon Mastracci
What is Ethics?: Richard M. Jacobs
Ethics Compliance Officer's Duties and Challenges: Maryse Tremblay

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New on PA TIMES Online


Every Monday and Friday, ASPA publishes a curated collection of original content that covers public service, management and international affairs.

This quarter, we welcome submissions that focus on women in public administration. Send your contributions to us at any time; the deadline is rolling. Contact us for more information.

Check out our recent articles and columns:

Why Policy Fails
By Richard Wilson

Women in Government, Higher Education and Business
By James Guyot

Alternatives to Workplace Wellness Programs
By Courtney Haun


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PublicServiceCareers.org


Find your next career opportunity at publicservicecareers.org. This online job board is the perfect resource for making a career change or landing your first job in the public service. It lists dozens of positions in academia, government and the nonprofit sector. Below are just a few current listings.

Director, Roy McKenzie Centre for the study of Families and Children – Victoria University, Wellington, NZ

Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor in National Security and Diplomacy – Bush School of Government and Public Service, College Station, TX

Budget and Management Analyst – Broward County Government – Fort Lauderdale, FL


American Society for Public Administration
1730 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036
     

Please send inquiries to Managing Editor Karen E. T. Garrett.