Japanese Administrative Reform: Theory and Practice

Author: (Japanese) Shunsuke Masuzima, translated by Xiong Dáyún, Zhang Jian, Li Zhengqiáng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: Although the critique of bureaucracy in society today is very harsh, the author still maintains respect for administrative officials who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to working in national or local government, and always feels a sense of encouragement for those who labor silently at the grassroots level for public administration. The author hopes that these modest experiences can be of some benefit to these administrative officials. The "Public Ethics—Experiences in Behavioral Ethics for Administrative Officials" and "Work Methods—My Reflections" included in this book were written with this intention. No matter how administrative systems are reformed, the success of an organization depends on its managers. In this sense, learning the management methods of managers is very important, whether for critically observing an organization or leveraging its power. Accordingly, this book includes the author's reflections on learning from The Governance of the Tang (Zhenguan Zhengyao). The final chapter, "How to Manage—Absorbing Nourishment from The Governance of the Tang," is based on this. For over a thousand years, The Governance of the Tang has been a classic text for Japanese learners on how to be a ruler. When the author teaches at university, they always introduce The Governance of the Tang before the end of the semester. Like previous publications, this book was supported and assisted by many colleagues during the writing process. Especially, Mr. Ryoji Fukui, the Review Officer of the Ministry of Public Management, and Mr. Yoshinori Miki, the Director of the Investigation Room of the Economic and Industrial Committee of the Senate, provided valuable comments on this book.