To lead and manage in public governance
Leadership and management in public governance is the primary subject the MPA program at Auburn teaches to its students. One of the first classes MPA students take is Foundations of Public Administration. In this class, we discuss the prevailing theories influencing the management style of real practitioners in contemporary government. One of the theories I found most interesting was New Public Management. This theory says that governments can improve efficiency and sustain, if not increase, the value of its services to its citizen clients by using management techniques found in business. In class, we discussed the different objectives of government versus businesses, and how the focus of government is not necessarily to maximize efficiency but to provide valuable services to its community. The discussion of theories like New Public Management has given me a better understanding of what leadership and management in the public sector looks like, and has given me ideas as to how I can improve my own leadership as I continue in public service.
Demonstrate the ability to participate in and contribute to the policy process
The other main element of the curriculum of the Auburn MPA program is public policy. Not only is government ran by public policy, but public servants at all levels make policy decisions, whether they realize it or not. This idea was deeply discussed in relation to the theory of the Street-Level Bureaucrat. A comprehensive understanding of public policy is necessary to a productive career in government. This analysis of the Patriot Act illustrates my understanding of how policy is made and how such policies can affect the lives of American citizens.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
In the same way my analysis of the Patriot Act contributed to my understanding of the policy process, my analysis of the Space Act shows my ability to analyze, think critically, and make decisions. Applying various political theories to the creation of the Space Act forced me to think through complex systems. I had to synthesize mass amounts of information and use it to craft a succinct account of a policy decision. This activity allowed me to practice the skills the MPA program teaches, preparing me to use them on real projects in public administration. In a world increasingly driven by data and analysis, this competency ensures future public administrators stay ahead of the curve.
Demonstrate the ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective.
My public service perspective is evident throughout this ePortfolio. I have dedicated my life to service to others, and plan to continue to do so as I build my career. One aspect of my public service perspective is my thoughts on leadership, and the characteristics I believe good leaders have. This artifact contains a script of my leadership philosophy, identifying key characteristics and elements of my own leadership in public service. My leadership philosophy, and as a result, my public service perspective, will continue to change as I advance in my career and experience excellent leadership.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
As the population of the United States continues to become more diverse, so does the need of being able to communicate with people from all backgrounds and with varying perspectives. This is an idea I engaged with rather deeply in my presentation on how diversity improves outcomes in complex systems. Diversity is not simply a means for advancing social justice, but a means of improving outcomes and providing more value to citizens. The inclusion of diverse people in the workforce necessitates the ability to communicate with tact and care. This is something MPA students have ample opportunity to practice, as nearly half of the program is comprised of international students.