Ideological Budgeting - by Steven G Koven (Hardcover)

About the Book

Koven examines how political philosophy shapes public policy. In particular, he emphasizes the influence of ideology on one policy area--budgeting in the public sector. That political beliefs greatly affect the type of policy implemented appears obvious, as would the benefit of rational--not ideological--policymaking. Yet, the question of whether policy is developed by politically biased appointees or by neutral administrators is not so easily answered. Koven asserts that government policy determined by philosophical factors directly contradicts the view that public policy should be developed by policy experts via rational analysis. He concludes that through the recognition and control of confounding influences, objective policy can--and should--be formulated.

Book Synopsis

Koven examines how political philosophy shapes public policy. In particular, he emphasizes the influence of ideology on one policy area--budgeting in the public sector. That political beliefs greatly affect the type of policy implemented appears obvious, as would the benefit of rational--not ideological--policymaking. Yet, the question of whether policy is developed by politically biased appointees or by neutral administrators is not so easily answered. Koven asserts that government policy determined by philosophical factors directly contradicts the view that public policy should be developed by policy experts via rational analysis. He concludes that through the recognition and control of confounding influences, objective policy can--and should--be formulated.

Review Quotes

?. . . . Students of policy analysis, public sector budgeting, and public administration will find this volume to be an excellent research and reference tool.?-Recent Publications on Governmental Problems

." . . . Students of policy analysis, public sector budgeting, and public administration will find this volume to be an excellent research and reference tool."-Recent Publications on Governmental Problems

About the Author

STEVEN G. KOVEN is Professor at the University of Louisville Urban Studies Institute.