Date of Publication

1973

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science

Department

Political Science

Language

English

Subjects

United States, Bonneville Power Administration, Attitude (Psychology)

DOI

10.15760/etd.1996

Physical Description

1 online resource (102 p.)

Abstract

The question is asked whether or not background, education, and training of middle and upper level bureaucratic personnel affects policy outcomes. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) serves as the agency examined. A written questionnaire sent to a random sample of BPA executives sought data on background variables with the intent of making comparisons. Most BPA executives are found to share very similar education and training backgrounds – namely, engineering studies at Northwest state universities. Also, attitudes measured are found to be more similar than different on most issues for the agency as a whole. This phenomenon is explained in terms of a self-selection process whereby individuals of similar persuasions, skills, and values seek out educational and career opportunities with which they are comfortable and which attract others of similar perspectives. The individual is seen to narrow his viewpoint while reinforcing his existing values. At BPA, the dominant perspective is that of the engineer. The effect of this engineering perspective is seen in policy outcomes in energy matters relating to growth, efficiency, environment, and economy.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Comments

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements fro the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/12729

Download

Share

COinS