During the past half-century comparative public administration
has continued to evolve, but in tandem or parallel
to the main field of public administration. Comparative
public administration has practically evolved as a distinct
topic of study rather than an integrated component. In most
master of public administration programs in the United
States, the extent of curriculum commitment to the comparative
approach is either a stand-alone elective course or
none at all. As Tummala reports, in 1996 “only 14 percent
of NASPAA’s about 230 member schools offered an option”
in comparative administration (1998, 21). In any case,
an effective convergence of comparative public administration
with the main field has not materialized, despite
dynamic practical needs and global trends necessitating
such a development.