‘The Policy Sciences’ is regarded as the first systematic book towards building a new field of enquiry in Public Administration. Who authored it ?

The correct answer is - Harold Lasswell

Key Points

• Harold Lasswell authored the book titled "The Policy Sciences", which is considered foundational in the field of Public Administration.
  • The book introduced a systematic approach to understanding policy-making and governance.
  • Lasswell emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of policy sciences, integrating insights from fields like sociology, economics, and political science.
  • His work provided a framework for analyzing the policy process, including problem identification, policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
• The book is a landmark in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical governance.
• Lasswell's approach has significantly influenced modern public administration and policy analysis, making it a critical reference for students and scholars in the field.

Additional Information

• Harold Lasswell
  • Known as one of the pioneers in the fields of political science and public policy.
  • He is famous for his definition of politics as "Who gets what, when, and how."
  • Lasswell's work focused on the role of communication and propaganda in politics and governance.
• Policy Sciences
  • A multidisciplinary approach to solving complex social and governance problems.
  • It emphasizes the integration of knowledge from various disciplines, such as political science, economics, and sociology, to improve policy formulation and implementation.
  • Lasswell advocated for a problem-solving orientation, where research is directed toward practical outcomes.
• Other Contributors in Public Administration
  • John Dewey – Known for his contributions to education and pragmatism, not directly associated with the development of policy sciences.
  • Peter de Leon – A scholar in policy implementation and evaluation but not the author of "The Policy Sciences."
  • S. S. Nagel – Known for his work in decision-making and policy analysis, but "The Policy Sciences" was not authored by him.