Public administration research is often focused on the study of administration practice, revealing how we can do the work of administration more effectively and with greater positive impacts for the public interest. Yet, in much of public administration research there is a distancing from actual engagement with the public, with administrators themselves, those served by policies and administration, and with policymakers who shape the work of administration. These factors can limit the quality, impact, and relevance of our work as scholars.
This interactive session will outline strategies for enhancing engaged research practices in public administration research. The session will kick off with a brief introduction to the who, what, where, why, and when of engaged research. We will also discuss approaches to engagement that can be applied while generating research ideas, developing research questions, designing methods, collecting data, refining implications, and disseminating findings. Rather than advancing a singular form of engaged research methods, the workshop will support attendees in thinking about the wide range of points in the research process when their work can be “more engaged” with those being served, with practice, with implementers, with policy, and more. The workshop will feature a substantial interactive session wherein attendees can map engagement opportunities in their own research and gain insights from fellow researchers. We will conclude with insights from journal editors about strategies for publishing engaged research.
