Making Political Science Useful: A Call for Practical Governance Studies

3/6/20243 min read

gray cushion chairs on white tile flooring
gray cushion chairs on white tile flooring

In the realm of political science, there exists a disconnect between the academic discipline and the practical needs of political leaders. Rather than focusing on the day-to-day operations and challenges faced by politicians, political science often delves into esoteric issues and produces articles and books that are rarely read by those in power. This begs the question: why can't departments of political science be more like business schools, which actively study how to govern and produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance?

One potential solution lies in the establishment of a master's degree program in public administration that mirrors the structure of a master's in business administration. By incorporating subjects such as finance (both public and private), accounting, management, labor relationships, human resources, production, and strategic management, this program would provide politicians with the practical tools they need to effectively manage their polity.

The Gap Between Theory and Practice

Political science has long been criticized for its lack of relevance to the real-world challenges faced by politicians. While political theorists and researchers explore abstract concepts and analyze historical trends, their work often fails to address the pressing issues that politicians encounter on a daily basis. As a result, politicians are left to navigate the complexities of governance without the benefit of comprehensive and practical guidance.

On the other hand, business schools have successfully bridged the gap between theory and practice. They offer programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the business world. By adopting a similar approach, political science departments can provide politicians with the tools to effectively govern.

A Practical Approach to Political Science

The establishment of a master's degree program in public administration, modeled after a master's in business administration, would address the shortcomings of traditional political science education. This program would focus on practical subjects that directly relate to the tasks and challenges faced by politicians.

Subjects such as finance, accounting, and management are essential for politicians to understand the financial implications of their decisions and effectively allocate resources. Knowledge of labor relationships and human resources would enable politicians to navigate the complexities of managing a diverse workforce and fostering positive working relationships. Additionally, studies in production and strategic management would equip politicians with the skills to efficiently implement policies and achieve their desired outcomes.

By incorporating these subjects into the curriculum, a master's in public administration would produce graduates who possess a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects of governance. These individuals would be well-equipped to tackle the complex issues faced by politicians, making political science a valuable resource for those in power.

The Benefits of Practical Governance Studies

The adoption of a practical approach to political science would yield numerous benefits for both politicians and society as a whole. Firstly, politicians would be better prepared to navigate the challenges of governance, leading to more effective and efficient decision-making. This would result in improved public services, increased transparency, and enhanced accountability.

Furthermore, a focus on practical governance studies would attract individuals with a genuine interest in public service. By offering a program that emphasizes the skills and knowledge necessary for effective governance, political science departments would appeal to those who aspire to make a tangible difference in the lives of their constituents. This would contribute to the overall quality of political leadership and foster a culture of public service.

Finally, the integration of practical governance studies into political science education would enhance the discipline's reputation and relevance. By producing graduates who possess the skills and knowledge needed to govern effectively, political science would shed its reputation as an esoteric field and become a valuable resource for politicians and policymakers.

Conclusion

It is time for political science to evolve and become more relevant to the needs of political leaders. By adopting a practical approach and incorporating subjects such as finance, accounting, management, labor relationships, human resources, production, and strategic management, political science departments can produce graduates who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective governance.

A master's degree in public administration, similar to a master's in business administration, would bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling politicians to navigate the complexities of governance with confidence. This shift towards practical governance studies would not only benefit politicians but also society as a whole, leading to improved public services, increased transparency, and enhanced accountability.

It is time to make political science useful by studying what politicians actually do and equipping them with the tools they need to govern effectively. By doing so, we can create a new generation of politicians who are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern world.