The Rise of Public Administration in China since 1978: driving forces, problems and prospects

AbstractThis article examines the rise of the field of Public Administration (PA) in China from 1978 to 2006. It first identifies several major driving forces behind the creation of the field in the country’s reform context for a preliminary analysis; then examines some problems that have emerged from the quick expansion of the field, especially Master of Public Administration programs; finally offers suggestions for the field’s further development. This article contributes to the literature by dissecting the China case in developing PA in a reforming country.