Administrative and Policy Research Today

Administrative/Policy Research

Administrative and policy research today is important in terms of ensuring the best possible practice towards the greatest public good. It is therefore important to clearly delineate the various components of such research, particularly in terms of conceptualization and operationalization. When these components are in place, research can provide a clear pathway towards implementation and further research. This will ensure the continuous improvement of the research process and service delivery within administration and policy.

Dantzker and Hunter (2006, p. 24) define the conceptualization process as obtaining an abstract label to represent an aspect of reality. In other words, concepts within a discipline such as criminal justice policy are unique to such a discipline. Rehabilitation and punishment are examples of such concepts within the criminology field. Within policy, concepts such as accountability and public service are examples of commonly used and researched terms.

Concepts are important because no research process can begin without them. As representative of theory, they form the basis of all further steps within the research process. In administrative or policy research then, existing concepts are identified in terms of their theoretical environment, and brought to the observational level. Concepts in the research process therefore move from the abstract to the concrete, at which point a sound basis for research is created. In other words, theory is examined for concepts, which are then used to examine the theory in question and the possible need for further research.

Although concepts form a general element of research, Dantzker and Hunter (2006, p. 25) note that few researchers report the conceptualization process itself. Indeed, most research, according to the authors, focus on the premise and outcome of the research, without delineating the initial conceptualizing process itself. Such reports can however form part of a useful and effective research outcome, because they clarify the process towards the research outcome and the possibilities for future research. Hence, concepts are important not only in terms of the research process, but also in terms of its effect on the outcome of the research.

Another pertinent step in the research process is operationally defining concepts and constructs. According to Dantzker and Hunter (2006, p. 25), the operationalization process involves the creation of variables on the basis of the concepts selected.. These variables are then the basis of the further research process, which in turn involves the creation of a measurement instrument for the assessment of the variables. The variables are specific, measurable elements of the concepts to be investigated. By measuring them, the concepts become clearer in terms of their specific variables.

Variables are important in the research process, as they provide the basis for further concept and theory development in policy research. Policy develops most effectively when the research process is continuous and fluid. In other words, research must continue to be conducted to ensure that the best policy and administrative practices possible are being implemented on a regular basis. The operationalization process helps to ensure this. According to Majchrzak (1984, p. 55), variables can have a range of focal points; from the very wide to the very narrow. Economic stability is an example of a variable with a wide focus, while preschool IQ scores is an example of a narrowly focused variable. The wider the focus, the greater the potential for specifying a number of indicators to measure them.

The operationalization of variables will then depend upon the research questions. The first stage of this process is then to define the variable in precise terms, while the second stage is to select indicators by means of which the variable can be measured (Majchrzak, 1984, p. 56).

When taking the example of teacher training, the variable can for example be operationalized in terms of the certification level of teachers as determined by their official credentials. Indicators towards this end could be elements such as number of years of schooling, teaching diploma, experience, cognitive ability, and salary (Majchrzak, 1984, p. 56). The certification level of teachers can then be measured in terms of these indicators.

In policy research, the choices we make regarding concept formation can significantly expand outcomes of and possibilities for our research. What is important is to make effective choices in terms of the initial concepts selected for research. The concept of accountability is for example not only current, but also relevant to policy and administrative research today (Steets, 2004, p. 6). Policymakers and administrators must be held accountable for the pledge they make to serve the highest public good. While operationalizing this concept can limit the research to a very narrow focus, it can expand research in general by exposing current shortcomings or gaps in the research. Furthermore, operationalizing can reveal the need for further research in the same area, but with a different focus.