Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper assesses contemporary civil service reform and its effect on the public service ethos—i.e., professionals obligated to be apolitical, provide independent advice, and embrace anonymity in service dedicated to the greater good. It begins by briefly describing historical and recent reforms and then examines the status of current initiatives, including two dominant reform components. Next the extent to which these innovations were based on evidence is considered. The analysis closes with conclusions about the future of public service

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In this conceptual/theoretical paper, I propose an inversion of service learning to learning service. I suggest that a shift can help practitioners “read” service as text, critically reviewing its assumptions.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Over the last decade, federal administrative and legislative initiatives have supported the adoption of graduated sanctions in state juvenile justice systems. Despite widespread adoption, there have been a limited number of policy evaluations of graduated sanctions. To guide evaluation efforts, it is important to understand how policy is expected to work and how well policy implementation corresponds to theoretical expectations.

This paper will briefly describe a theoretical framework of graduated sanctions which emphasizes a community-based, comprehensive continuum of services and sanctions for juveniles as an important policy component expected to induce behavioral change. Effective federal policy is dependent upon faithful implementation within local communities.

Using a case study of North Carolina juvenile justice legislation, I will examine the extent of implementation of graduated sanctions in North Carolina counties and compare implementation to service needs. Local county-based Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils (JCPCs) engage in annual assessments of service needs and service provision for juveniles. Using JCPC administrative data from 100 counties, I will describe the extent of local implementation of graduated sanctions. In addition, I will present data illustrating the need for services based upon the use of a validated needs assessment instrument given to all juveniles. Finally, I will examine the relationship between service needs and service provision in North Carolina counties.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Individual spirituality is implicit in the public service motive construct, however, it has not been examined by public administration scholars. The purpose of this paper is to examine spiritual attitudes of public service and non-public service workers. Ordered logistic regressions are estimated using the 1998 GSS data. We find that individuals in public service occupations possess more spiritual attitudes than do those in other occupations.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper reports on research that investigates the effect of different types of service learning activities on student's attitudes towards the communities they are serving (Mcknight 1996).