The identity and legitimacy of the PhD in administrative sciences

Abstract

The research in public administration within the PHD programmes contributes to the satisfying of the need for scientific knowledge in the field. The present study is an approach to the nature of research within the PHD programmes in Administrative Sciences. We synthetize data and information obtained out of the analysis of the activity of the doctoral programmes in Administrative Sciences and we relate it to the criteria that confer the identity and legitimacy of the PHD. We consider three essential elements: major research subjects, research methodologies, and the results disseminated that we relate to the field of study in Administrative Sciences and to the context. We realise a first diagnosis of the stage of the PHD in Administrative Sciences in Romania and the measure that it is relevant to the new economy of knowledge. The conclusion of the study is that the legitimacy of the PHD in Administrative Sciences is mainly ensured by the need to bring the academic studies in accordance to the Bologna system and the criteria imposed in order to follow an academic career. The major subjects of research consider the tendencies of evolution in Administrative Science as a totalizing science.