Public Servants Studied in Image and Essay
A Fanfare for the Common Bureaucrat
- Charles T. Goodsell - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA
—Russell W. Mills, Bowling Green State University
This latest work by highly regarded scholar of bureaucracy Charles T. Goodsell uses narrative essays and accompanying video profiles to bring to life the work and careers of individuals working for the common good in 12 essential jobs at all three levels of American government. The first book to explicitly encourage undergraduates to consider the public service as a career, Public Servants Studied in Image and Essay offers an on-the-ground look at some of the careers available to them after graduation. It showcases the hard work and dedication of ordinary bureaucrats—rather than administrative leaders—to help students appreciate the nature and achievements of American bureaucracy. The book’s narratives are framed by an introduction and conclusion by Goodsell to provide context and to place them within the research on bureaucracy and public administration.
Bundle Goodsell’s texts and save!
We’ve made it easy for students to get The New Case for Bureaucracy all in one convenient package at a student-friendly price. When bundled with Public Servants Studied in Image and Essay, students receive a 20% discount.
Use ISBN: 978-1-5443-4166-8
Exclusive! Video Interviews
The following video interviews, conducted by the author, connect the content from the book to real stories about public service.
Essay 1: Adam R. Price, ATF Special Agent
Essay 2: Michael J. Bender, Police Captain
Essay 3: Stephanie F. Pechura, Felon Rehabilitator
Essay 4: Cindy M. Berndt, Regulation Expert
Essay 5: Karen L. Wilson, Energy Advisor
Essay 6: Howard Glenn, Drainage Master
Essay 7: Daniel W. McKeague, Forest Ranger
Essay 8: Daniel M. Riccio, Livability Director
Essay 9: Keith T. Grupposo, Probation Officer
Essay 10: Kathy D. Robertson, Homelessness Combatant
Essay 11: Carla D. Holloman, Social Worker
Essay 12: Jeffrey B. Richardson, County Manager
“Dr. Goodsell’s new book will bring to light the invaluable contribution of public administrators’ work (from all levels of government) to the people’s general well-being and the safety of the public at large. Featuring specific governmental work roles and job duties will provide rich contextual descriptions both at the agency and the individual levels of public service. These will bring otherwise faraway and detached perceptions of government work into the focus of concrete professional duties and missions…The book promises to bring students face-to-face with the main dilemmas and challenges permeating their jobs as public servants at the federal, state, and local levels.”
“As public scrutiny on agencies and individuals’ work is at an all-time high, it is paramount for the public to gain insight into the wide variety of jobs that are crucial to keeping the American people safe, sometimes even at high personal risk for public personnel. Putting a face and a name to people performing those jobs will help broaden our understanding of the true nature of public service.”
“Like having a guest speaker in every class.”
“This book is a great resource to introduce the field to those who are just thinking of becoming public administrators…The first book of its kind to focus not on managers but on the front-line employees themselves.”
