Above politics : bureaucratic discretion and credible commitment /

In this work, Miller (Washington Univ., St. Louis) and Whitford (Univ. of Georgia) make a concentrated defense of the role bureaucracy plays in modern American society while warning about the potential dangers posed by legislators and legislative bodies that attempt to remain too involved in the work of public administrators. This theory-based, theory-driven work masterfully weaves analyses and examples that help demonstrate myriad ways bureaucracies can provide stability to government while enhancing economic development--as long as they are permitted to operate as they need to--while politicians (and the public) regularly question whether bureaucrats are neutral while gaining autonomy. In response, Miller and Whitford point to cooperative relationships and professionalism as keys to understanding the incentives of working public administrators. Only through agency independence and professionalized administrations can citizens expect the organizations that execute the activities of daily government to successfully continue balancing public accountability and autonomy. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. --Will Miller, Flagler College