Brown, Durning, & Selden, Q in public administration

Steven R. Brown, Dan W. Durning, and Sally C. Selden (2008). Q methodology. In K. Yang & G.J. Miller (Eds.), Handbook of research methods in public administration (Public Administration and Public Policy series, Vol. 134) (2nd ed., pp. 721-763). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis). ISBN: 9780849353840, $139.95.
This wholly rewritten chapter is one of 46 chapters in this 959 pp. book. Among the chapter sections are the following: Introduction Essential elements of Q method Research with Q and R methods: A practical example The R method approach Using Q methodology Understanding and Using Q Methodology History and intellectual foundations of Q methodology Brief history The quantum connection Concourse theory Problem clarification with Q methodology: A case study Applications of Q Methodology in Public Administration General public administration and public management How bureaucrats view issues affecting their jobs and management decisions How public sector professionals understand their jobs and carry out their work Public management topics such as organizational culture and leadership Potential topics for further research Public administration fields, including personnel administration Researching public personnel administration Q research in other fields of public administration Researching decision making and public policy Understanding influences on decision makers Identifying the perspectives (decision structures) of stakeholders Studying the marginalized and less powerful, and giving them voice Facilitating the search for compromise solutions to difficult problems Conclusion