Epistemological Possibilities of Public Administration Theories: from Paradigms to Epistemic Matrices

• Published in: Organizacoes & sociedade 2022-06, Vol.29 (101), p.277-296
• Main Authors: Silva, Patrícia Araújo, Santos, Ana Cristina Batista dos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1413-585X; 1984-9230
• DOI: 10.1590/1984-92302022v29n0012en

Abstract This study aims to contribute to the literature on public administration by conducting epistemological research on the main trends in the field, updating them with the Circle of Epistemic Matrices proposed by Paes de Paula (2016). For this, (a) it starts from the essay written by Andion (2012), which carried out a critical study on the trajectory of the field of public administration in Brazil and the different theoretical lines that compose it, based on the paradigms model built by Burrell and Morgan (1979); and (b) it analyzes the main lines that compose the field of public administration, called State-centric, Pluralist, New Public Administration, New Public Service, and Digital Era Governance, in light of the Circle of Epistemic Matrices proposed by Paes de Paula. As results, it confirms that functionalist sociological approaches have a strong influence on the field of public administration. Greater dialogue is suggested between the lines that compose the field and the development of new matrix propositions – giving special attention to the digital transformation driven by Digital Era Governance and by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) health crisis – taking into account that the instrumental rational logic is insufficient to explain the phenomena of the reality, even if it is needed for streamlining public goods and interests. Finally, reflections are presented along with an agenda for future research. Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir com a literatura sobre administração pública ao realizar um estudo epistemológico das principais correntes do campo, atualizando-as com o Círculo das Matrizes Epistêmicas proposto por Paes de Paula (2016) . Para isso, (a) parte-se do ensaio realizado por Andion (2012) , que realiza um estudo crítico sobre a trajetória do campo da administração pública no Brasil e as diferentes correntes teóricas que o compõem, com base no modelo de paradigmas construído por Burrell e Morgan (1979) ; (b) analisam-se as principais correntes que compõem o campo da administração pública, denominadas Estadocêntrica; Pluralista; Nova Administração Pública, Novo Serviço Público e Digital-Era Governance à luz do Círculo das Matrizes Epistêmicas proposto por Paes de Paula. Como resultados, confirma-se que abordagens sociológicas funcionalistas possuem forte influência no campo da administração pública. Sugere-se maior diálogo entre as correntes que compõem o campo e o desenvolvimento de novas proposições de matrizes – em aten