Global Dimensions of Public Administration and Governance: A Comparative Voyage

APPENDIX ONE

STRUCTURAL SIMILARITIES—CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

The Need for and Development of Comparative Government Studies

It is in the nature of people to compare. Us—them, here—there, have—have-not, more—less. The daily and implicit comparisons we all make often spring from self-centered concerns or from stereotypical judgments. Elevating comparison beyond individual concerns and judgments is, among others, what scholars do and, as far as the study of public administration is concerned, is necessary for improving the understanding of government's role and position in society. Such comparisons have to be systematic and explicit about concepts, theories, methods, and even personal experiences that inspired us. Comparisons are also civilizing, for ...