Public Administration in the Perspective of Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology. A Discussion

• Published in: Acta Universitatis Sapientiae. Social Analysis 2013-07, Vol.3 (2), p.215
• Main Author: Ambrus, Zoltán
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior; Citizenship; Civil society; Community; Equal rights; Globalization; Human relations; Market economies; Public administration; Recessions; Values
• ISSN: 2069-7449; 2248-0854

Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology as a psychosocial discipline provides the axiological and practical foundations for accomplishing successful transition, for dealing with the undesired effects of the crisis and globalization processes, for the vitalization and efficient functioning of democracy. In this respect, terms such as: social equality, community feeling as pro-sociality, unconditional respect for human dignity, co-operation 'on the useful side of life,' and horizontal interpersonal communication represent psychosocial concepts and anchors in the democratic transformation of social reality. In order to apply the fundamental principles of public administration, i.e. democratic values and efficient administrative activities, public administrative organs need an integrative psychosocial perspective. The projects promoted by public administrative organs should focus more on co-operation and less on competition, they should encourage self-esteem, and should assert the potentialities of community members. In partnership with civil organizations, public administrative organs can create within a community some efficient social equality 'laboratories' marked by co-operation as the dominant interactional behaviour. Public administrative authorities' encouragement of citizens and civil organizations to participate and co-operate for solving community problems represent a 'motion of confidence,' especially when community is faced with difficulties and hardships.