Sociological dominant in research projects in the theory and practice of public administration

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the theoretical relationships of public administration with the scientific bases of social disciplines. The author defines the relationship between the theory of public administration with the methodological principles and structure of general sociology, and a range of sectoral sociological theories. The principles of the study of public administration are represented in the structure of interactions with the basic elements of macrosociology, empirical sociological studies, and interdisciplinary areas of knowledge. Special attention is paid to the causes and consequences of underestimating of the relationship between sociology and economics. The author approves the need for their synthesis in the development of theoretical models and practical recommendations to the authorities. Concerning the large scale of financial resources from public budgets and the simultaneous crisis of the welfare state in modern Russia, the task to solve the problem of “government failures” becomes really urgent. The multifactor model of the sociological measurement of public administration’s quality is presented as a result of author’s analysis. The basic directions of sociological research of public administration and social policy are proved and connected with the administrative reforms and elaboration of development strategy for Russian society.