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The Etiology of Administrative Evil

Eric Voegelin and the Unconsciousness of Modernity

Cedarville University

Administrative evil, as a research problem, is receiving attention in public administration research. Some of the literature suggests that administrative evil is caused by technical rationality. Although this may be so, technical rationality could also be considered symptomatic of a larger problem, one more directly causative of administrative evil. Exemplifying this claim is the organizational theory of Eric Voegelin. Voegelin, a political theorist, saw administrative evil resulting from the modern era’s refusal to consider existential questions, freedom, and human dignity as important dimensions of reality. Voegelin’s critique of modern organizations is presented along with his positive suggestions for organizational ethics. Last, some current ethical models are discussed that may encompass Voegelin’s ethical concerns.

The American Review of Public Administration, Vol. 31, No. 3, 296-312 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/02750740122064965


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