Misconceptions About Public Administration: The Difference Between Opinions and Findings
December 13, 2024
During a December 10, 2024, conference, a friend introduced me by saying that I am known for my opinions. I corrected him. This moment got me thinking about a common misconception: the assumption that public administrators base their work on views. This notion deserves clarification, as it touches the core of public administration.
As a public administrator, I do not express opinions. What we bring forward are findings, positions, and theses. These are not conjured out of thin air; they are based on a thorough process of observation, literature review, data analysis, discussion, and reflection. These efforts aim not to air an opinion but to provide insights that contribute to understanding and improving governance and policy.
When we publish our findings, we do so to facilitate enriching debates, contribute to solutions, and share knowledge that provides a solid foundation for decision-making. Occasionally, a thesis may turn out to be untenable. In such cases, we must revise or even reject it. But this is not a loss; it is a gain for public administration and the field as a whole. Every rejected hypothesis teaches us something valuable: how it is not.
This all stands in stark contrast to the idea that public administrators have an opinion. Opinions are subjective, often intuitive, and not necessarily supported by facts or analysis. What we do goes far beyond that. Our findings are not off-the-cuff remarks but carefully constructed contributions to knowledge and practice. As the saying goes, “Science is not just another opinion.”
With this explanation, I hope to correct an important misconception. Public administration is not about opinions but about systemically acquired insights. Let’s keep this distinction clear, both within and beyond our field.
Miguel Goede
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