The Importation of Ideas from the U.S. American Administrative Sciences to Germany During the 20th Century

Pascal Hurni’s dissertation examines, from a scientific-historical perspective, how the administrative sciences in the U.S. and German developed and what influence the former had on the latter.  As part of the SNSF research project PDFM – 119458/1 - The Transatlantic Transfer of Administrative Ideas in the 20th Century directed by Prof. Dr. Fritz Sager, this study, along with those of Christian Rosser and Celine Mavrot, contributes to the analysis of the reciprocal exchange among Germany, France, and the U.S. in the area of the administrative sciences.

Starting Point

Comparative administrative sciences have up to now focused primarily on the paradigm that the administrative sciences in continental Europe and the U.S. have traditionally been based on essentially different understandings of the state.  Subsequently, the developments of the ideal-typical schools of thought were largely interpreted as separate paths.  A systematic study should show the extent to which these assumptions can be empirically proven or whether exchanges in ideas can be demonstrated.

Research Questions

Did the German administrative sciences develop independently from the American ones?  Can one find catalysts for scientific exchange?  Which impulses for new research approaches emerged within the discipline, and which came from the outside?

 

Methodology

  • Primary source-based, qualitative content analysis

Anticipated Findings

The empirical study of the history of the administrative sciences contributes to the recognition that scientific exchange has been a normal occurrence. Consequently, the hybrid intellectual past of the administrative sciences should no longer represent a blind spot, which should also make possible a better-grounded discussion on globally utilized, though not clearly defined, concepts (e.g., New Public Management).  This also makes a more realistic assessment of the significance of different traditions in the administrative sciences possible.  Finally, the historical reworking of foreign influences can contribute to the formation of the identity of the still-young social-scientific administrative sciences.

This dissertation is beeing written by Pascal Hurni under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Fritz Sager.