Do your self a favor, if you don't have a Twitter account sign up for one today. Twitter unlike most social media sites is solely a micro-blogging site whose quality and utility depending on your followers. Here the commodity is information whether that is personal interest blogging or world news. The purpose of this blog however is on using twitter to remain informed on current events from the perspective of public administrators.
As soon as your get a twitter, follow the users below and make sure to read your tweet at least once a day. Doing yourself this favor will increase your awareness of issues and range of perspectives important to conducting context conscious and educated opinions about public policy, advocacy, and public administration.
@AP @rollcall @rollcallpols @politico @thehill @thehilltweets @nationaljournal
@joshledermanAP @costareports @RebekahLSanders @dannowicki @myhlee
@TheFix @azcpolitics @NRCC @NRSC @DCCC @DSCC @azrover @washingtonpost @HouseGOP @HouseDemocrats @politifact @njhotline @senatedems @Senate_GOPs
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Counting down the days...commence the dramatics
I’ve lost touch with my ability to write and reflect well. My
mind seems to be in a constant state of confusion and curiosity. Both states
have made it increasingly difficult to focus on what’s in front of me and
remain focused once I get frustrated. I’ve gotten in the habit of resorting to
nonsense articles and internet videos to blotch out my confusion instead of relishing
it and finding solutions. I feel defeated most days at my lack of creativity. I
hope I’m not alone in this sate and perhaps this muddled mind is just a side effect
of pursuing an accelerated graduate education on top of working full time,
completing an internship, and managing a marriage and rot relationship with my
parents.
At this point I feel overwhelmed and dazed. The reliance on
coffee, energy drinks, and fast food doesn’t help given my bodies negative
reaction to the abuse by form of weight gain, breakouts, unnecessary body aches, and anxiety.
I can’t wait for this to be over.
At times I feel incredibly guilty and selfish over my feelings towards the culmination of this degree. I am very conscious of the opportunities I've been granted. It's difficult however to remain appreciative of something that resembles less a privilege and more a mentally and emotionally draining self perpetuating abuse. My words might be dramatic but the sensation and feeling is sincere.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Reflection of Robert Merton's essay "Bureaucratic Structure and Personality"
The
efficacy of Robert Merton’s concern in Bureaucratic
Structure and Personality is as relevant today as it was then. In 1940,
Merton wrote Bureaucratic Structure and
Personality to illustrate the inherent dysfunctions of bureaucracy. His
purpose was not to shame the field of public administration but to recognize
that public administration could not be solely driven simply by measures of efficiency
as adopted by scientific management because it requires employers to be cognizant
of the importance of human behavior and motivation. In addition it requires
public servants to balance efficiency with responsiveness without fear of
taking initiative on projects that may slow down their agencies efficiency but
increase the overall quality of service. At the time, the impacts of WWI, the
Depression and New Deal, and WWII had dramatically increased the size, scope,
and reach of government. The American public also exhibited a higher interest
in government and showed more trust and expectations that government could
solve societal problems (Cayer, Baker, & Weschler, 2010, p. 77).
Today,
the efficacy of Merton’s article remains the same as U.S. public administrators
continue to struggle to find the appropriate balance between efficiency versus
responsiveness. The pathological and inherent dysfunctions of bureaucracy mainly
due to the negligence of human behavior and motivation are now ever more
present due to the move to reduce the size of government and increase
efficiency.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Strengths and Weaknesses of USCS
Interning at the U.S. Commercial Service has it’s perks;
organizationally it’s built less like a traditional hierarchical bureaucracy
and more like a modern network where agents build upon a collective mission
spread across an international network. This allows for a great plethora of easily
accessible contacts proficient in a vast number of trades and skillsets.
Although we have a physical office with coworkers on site, due to the international
nature of our work, most of the work day revolved around open communication channels
amongst colleagues all over the world. This incredible network however has its
drawbacks, particularly in building interpersonal relationship or engaging and meaningful
professional relationships. Also, from my perspective the real value of the work
of the United States Commercial Service would benefit if more research and development
was focused on finding innovate solutions to enhancing interconnectivity
amongst the vast network. Tools such as private social media websites, LinkedIn
groups, and Facebook groups better can allow for these interactions.
Interview with John Kellen
What are your responsibilities?
John Kellen is a self-described Global Entrepreneur &
Philanthropist. He is currently a partner at the WorldVentures and CEO of
Sonora International Realty Corporation. He was primarily responsible for
expanding local multigraphics firm AlphaGraphics into an international franchise.
John holds various leadership and advisory positions at nonprofits and community
organizations aligned with his interests in children, economic empowerment,
education, environment, and poverty alleviation.
How did they choose this career?
After a brief conversation with John I found out his current
ventures began after he let go of his high profile career with AlphaGraphics. At
AlphaGraphics he was a successful and ambitious young professional and was able
to move up the ranks pretty quickly ultimately becoming Vice President after 10
years. At that point however, realizing his passions weren’t being fulfilled he
quit and started his own realty business quickly expanding it into an international
real estate firm. His most recent venture however is the one his most proud of
and passionate about. WorldVentures is a voluntourism agency that books
volunteer intensive getaways for large groups. Instead of vacationing the
experience allows individuals the opportunity to make a difference while they travel.
For John, getting to this point came after a series of careful decisions where
he very intentionally took up projects that enhanced his ability to do the
things he loved, making a difference and traveling being one of them.
What type of education or training is needed for this
position?
Education wise, John didn’t have much to say. His concern
was much less focused on institutional education and much more based on real
world experience. In his words, “the degree is only meant to get you the job…
the real learning comes when you take risks and live your passions.” John didn’t
formulate any training although training is obviously involved with respects to
Voluntourism and managing multiple real estate portfolios however, his focus
was to educate me on the importance of living your best life on your terms.
What advice would they give to someone interested in this
field?
John’s advice was simple. Let your passions guide your
actions.
Do they notice any new trends in the field?
N/A
Why would you be interested in this career or position?
My interest in interviewing Mr. Kellen stemmed
from his sincere personality and passionate outlook on life, work, and economic
empowerment. My interest in these topics stem from my impending struggle between
pursuing my dreams and getting a job that pays my bills. Kellen definitely articulates
the importance of no wasting time and always living life with passion. I hope
to one day emulate his wisdom and serenity
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)