TOWARD ADMINISTRATIVE PHILOSOPHIES

Abstract

This paper continues discussion about the philosophy of educational administration and includes what the writer suggests is a reasonable basis for such a philosophy. The writer starts from positions stated in past publications of the Journal of Educational Administration written about the same subject. C.G. Austin and E.F. Zeigler, contributors to previous Journal issues, are quoted and their views supported. The writer of the article extends their contributions with a presentation of E.J. Carnell's concept of rectitude as a necessary ingredient in the administrative process. The author treats theory in the context of mere explanation suggesting that the theory‐practice dichotomy is due to theory's exclusion of key ingredients. Further, quality administration, it is stated, must be based on culturally recognized Tightness. If this key ingredient is omitted the quality of educational administration in particular will suffer and continue to be based upon political considerations. In the article philosophy is presented as a scientific and a normative discipline which lays the foundation of scientific methods of investigation. Thus, in terms of theoretical development, it is imperative to consider and include philosophic concepts at the base, and primarily, concepts which are culturally based. An extension of this discussion includes the issue of legitimacy. In this, J. Habermas is quoted on the mismatch of theory to practice, with the consequent deterioration of legitimacy. The distinction between legal and rightful legitimacy is discussed suggesting support of the concept of cultural rectitude in administration.

Citation

HANNAH, W. (1980), "TOWARD ADMINISTRATIVE PHILOSOPHIES", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 114-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb009819