Improving Business-Government Relations: What is the Role and Responsibility of Schools of Public Affairs

Abstract

In this article I present a discussion of the role of schools of public affairs in promoting and facilitating business-government cooperation. A survey of National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) members was conducted to determine if public administration schools are concerned about this issue and if they are involved in activities intended to foster public-private relations and cross-sector understanding. Results of the survey indicate that schools have a modest but increasing concern about business-government relations and that this concern is translated into some actions on their part. Schools of public affairs take their public service missions seriously and are engaged in a wide range of activities aimed at supporting the public sector practitioner. Much less energy is directed toward private sector constitutencies or toward promoting cross sector cooperation or understanding. A listing of activities aimed at promoting business-government relations is compiled and activities respondents thought to be effective are identified. It appears that nontraditional activities are most effective in promoting business-government cooperation. This poses additional challenges for schools if they want to be actively involved in this issue. Finally, a brief discussion of what can be done within schools of public affairs to increase these activities is presented.