Introduction
The work of public organizations continues to improve with time due to a better understanding of performance management and technological advancement. In their article, Sabharwal et al. (2014) focus on public administration schools and the challenges associated with increased social diversity and changes in communities’ needs and demands. In addition to the already existing studies about the main characteristics of public administration, the authors find it necessary to learn the conditions under which culturally competent services are developed. Despite certain limitations based on the scope, sample, and definitions, the chosen research article introduces a solid background related to diversity, social equity, and equality in public service organizations.
Premise and Significant Points
During the last several centuries, the representatives of public administration have to deal with different tasks, demonstrating their unbiased attitudes toward religion, politics, or the economy. The main premise defined by Sabharwal et al. (2014) is that today, American society faces a complex reality that categorizes people according to their race, gender, education, class, sexual orientation, abilities, and language. Community changes may be determined by a variety of factors, which makes the proliferation of diversity studies a critical issue for discussion. There are several significant points in the article under analysis. First, the authors aim to understand if public administration schools develop effective curricula that meet current social changes. Secondly, it is important to identify how future leaders are prepared and if they obtain equal employment opportunities. Finally, public administrators must have enough qualities to manage diversity complexities in their facilities.
Issues of Diversity, Equality, and Equity
In the article, the authors pay attention to the role of diversity, equality, and equity in public services in different ways. Compared to diversity and equity which have clear definitions and explanations, the term equality is slightly discussed through the prism of equal employment and the necessity to provide equal opportunities for women and people of color against existing bureaucracy (Sabharwal et al., 2014). In its turn, diversity has several definitions, including its explanation as variation, heterogeneity, and otherness (Sabharwal et al., 2014). Discussing the impact of diversity in public administration, it is correctly admitted the connection of this concept with cultural competence and management through avoiding discrimination and minority representation (Sabharwal et al., 2014). Equity is based on democratic responsibilities, in terms of which the effectiveness of public services is defined. The education of future leaders and administrators should include the ideas of social equity because it is the only way to achieve justice and trust.
Personal Reflection on the Premise
After reading the article, I would like to agree with the authors and their premise about the changing reality and the impact of diversity on public administration. The main idea of public services is to support communities and promote positive changes. It is hard to manage communities’ needs under the constant pressure of diversity and inequality. Therefore, I find the decision of the authors to improve the training and overall effectiveness of organizations crucial for modern society.
Conclusion
In general, the article written by Sabharwal et al. turns out to be a significant contribution to understanding diversity in public administrative services. Many organizations have a high potential in promoting their employees’ skills and abilities. However, if no evaluation of such issues as equity, equality, and diversity is done, visible and invisible challenges cannot be prevented. People cannot stop categorizing themselves as per their colors, languages, or classes, and the worth of public administration is to reduce the impact of these differences.
Reference
Sabharwal, M., Hijal-Moghrabi, I., & Royster, M. (2014). Preparing future public servants: Role of diversity in public administration. Public Administration Quarterly, 38(2), 208-245.