Knowledge and theory development in public administration: The role of doctoral education and research

What is the purpose of doctoral education and research in public administration? Many might assume its purpose to be the development of knowledge and theory for the field, as well as the preparation of the field's professoriate. White, Adams, and Forrester examine here the publication records of eight classes of doctorate recipients in public administration and conclude that doctoral education and research is only making a minimal contribution to knowledge and theory development in the field. The purpose of the public administration doctorate thus appears to be conflicted.