| dc.description.abstract | Despite theoretical and empirical advances in the field of representative bureaucracy, scholars have yet to come to consensus on how to best define and measure the term. Many contemporary studies of representative bureaucracy are contextually circumscribed focusing primarily on descriptive representation of race and gender, street and executive level employees and redistributive agencies. In addition, few studies have examined the potential for negative effects of representative bureaucracy. These limitations appear to be driven in part by theoretical restrictions and data availability as most studies rely on quantitative policy output. In order to overcome these limitations, this project examines bureaucrats' role perception, focusing specifically on how they view their role as representatives. The primary methodological tool is Q Methodology. Using a mixed methodology, this project provides a comprehensive and inclusive approach to representative bureaucracy thus avoiding limitations from data availability. The findings suggest current understanding of representative bureaucracy may be incomplete. Q sort analysis reveals four possible bureaucratic worldviews toward representation suggesting the concept requires a more comprehensive and nuanced theoretical approach. Additionally, the data suggests the current theoretical boundaries may be unnecessarily restrictive. For example, the data shows representative bureaucracy may occur without descriptive representation, and characteristics other than race and gender may be important. Additionally, all organizations appear to be valid subjects for empirical analysis although organizational variables may influence representation. The data also reveals possible alternative data sources that may be used in future studies. Examining potential negative effects, the data suggests that scholars may have actually overlooked additional positive effects. In order to truly understand and utilize the concept of representative bureaucracy, the theoretical framework and empirical lens by which we study representative bureaucracy needs to be revisited. | |
