Adaptive management is based on the notion that the knowledge available for a manager is always incomplete, making surprise an inevitable part of any situation. It begins by bringing together stakeholders who discuss the problem and map a plan, including a monitoring system to analyze data and update the manager's understanding of their approach in practice. It also provides managers the ability to ensure that decisions are used as opportunity for organizational learning. "What is required for homeland security is for professionals at various levels to work across boundaries, plan and negotiate future activities, and communicate during operations to resolve unanticipated problems," Wise concludes.
This study appears in the May issue of Public Administration ReviewTM. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact journalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
This essay is the first in Public Administration Review'sTM academic/practitioner exchanges on seminal, current administrative issues. William Jenkins from the GAO, who specializes in Homeland Security Departmental Organization, wrote a response to Wise's essay. His essay "Collaboration over Adaptation: The Case for Interoperable Communications in Homeland Security" is also available to the media.
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Charles R. Wise is a professor of public affairs in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. He has been published in numerous books and journals. Dr. Wise is available for media questions and interviews.
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