Phenomenology as a research design in Public Administration

Abstract

In recent times research in Public Administration has been dominated by popular research methodologies and designs. Phenomenology as a research design has received limited exposure in the discipline. Therefore the purpose of this article is to determine the importance of phenomenology as a credible research design in Public Administration research. This article first provides an extensive literature overview of the popular research methods in South African Public Administration. A brief history of the origin of phenomenology as a research method and a work definition of phenomenology are given. Subsequently, a case for phenomenology is critically discussed to highlight the importance and application of this research design based on a theoretical foundation. The literature consists of published articles, books and phenomenological journals. The article concludes that a justification for the use of phenomenology in certain types of research is necessary. The article also argues that consultative approaches and public participation have been encouraged since the first democratic elections in South Africa. Considering the nature of this discipline, it is important to effect changes in the ways research is conducted to comply with practical policy requirements. Research within a phenomenological framework will assist public administrators in solving many societal problems.