text: 2220 Thrid Street
  Jmeek@laverne.edu
  Jack W. Meek, Ph.D. is Professor of Public Administration, Director of Research at the College of Business and Public Management at the University of La Verne. Professor Meek offers courses in research methods and collaborative public management. His research focuses on metropolitan governance including the emergence of administrative connections and relationships in local government, regional collaboration and partnerships, policy networks and citizen engagement.
  Christopher Koliba, Lasse Gerrits, Mary Lee Rhodes and Jack W. Meek (2016). "Complexity Theory, Networks and Systems Analysis" in Jacob Torfing and Chris Ansell (eds) Handbook on Network Governance. Edwards Elgar Publishing. ISBN: 978 1 78254 849 2
  Abstract: This chapter traces important foundations that contributed to our understanding of complexity, network and systems theories in addressing wicked and persistent problems. In so doing, we emphasize important tasks of integrating complexity theory with governance research, the focus on systems levels of governance, and the development of complexity-friendly methods in this developing field of research.
  URL: http://www.e-elgar.com/shop/handbook-on-theories-of-governance
  Godwin, Marcia L. and Jack W. Meek (2015). The scholarly practitioner: Connections of research and practice in the classroom. Teaching Public Administration. 34(1): 54-69.
  Abstract: This article outlines how Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) programs from one American university approach the integration of theory, research and practice. The article reviews the historic missions of American public administration programs that focus on the development of public service professionals and specialized practitioners. Next, we share how the MPA program integrates theory and research with practice in the development of civic professionals. Examples from the MPA program are shown in a taxonomy with illustrative examples. This article also contrasts the MPA with the DPA program that follows a scholarly practitioner model. Rather than exclusively following a traditional theory-to-practice model, practice-to-theory and more experiential research projects are critical to the development of graduate public administration students working in complex environments. More student-centric and student-initiated approaches provide more opportunities for student engagement and also are aligned with emerging pedagogical models.
  URL: http://0-tpa.sagepub.com.leopac.ulv.edu/content/early/2015/07/21/0144739415593337
  Jack W. Meek, ed. 2014. "Symposium - Complexity Theory and Administrative Learning: Adaptive Practices in Complex Governance Systems." Emergence: Complexity and Organization.
  Abstract: Advances in applying complexity theory to the administration of public services and projects continue to be evident and productive. This symposium includes five papers that explore how complexity theory informs decision-making and planning in governance settings. In particular, the papers examine the significance of boundary decisions, emergent rules and structures, collaborative dialogue, adaptive planning, and co-evaluation procedures. Administrative learning is evident in the adaptive practices recognized in boundary decisions to initiate projects, emergent rules and structures that are established to coordinate stakeholder interests, collaborative dialogue that frames cooperative work among competing stakeholders, the adoption of adaptive planning and co-valuation procedures.
  URL: http://emergentpublications.com/eco/ECO_other/Issue_16_1_1_ED.pdf
  Jack W. Meek and Kevin S. Marshall. Eds. 2014. Administrative Strategies for Complex Governance Systems: Challenges of Making Public Administration and Complexity Theory Work – COMPACT II. Emergent Publication.
  Abstract: There is an argument that research and practice in Public Administration always involves social complexity, and therefore it can be informed by complexity. There is also an argument that Public Administration, in actuality, is minimally informed by complexity. There is truth to both arguments. Before complexity can inform the field of Public Administration, scholars and practitioners must inquire into the nature of complexity, as well as seek to understand the attributes and constraints of this approach. As this book demonstrates, complexity inquiry provides numerous theoretical frameworks, approaches and associated tools for looking into the black box of causality. The authors in this edited volume gathered at the University of La Verne (June 2013) to pursue such an inquiry, discussing the relevance of the complexity sciences and how they contribute to pertinent questions in the domains of Public Administration and Public Policy. Their contributions are presented in this edited volume. Each contribution is an attempt to answer the Challenge of Making Public Administration and Complexity work— COMPACT—as reflected in the title. Together, the contributions present an overview of the diverse state of the art in thinking about and research in complex systems in the public domain.
  URL: http://bit.do/compactii
  Jack W. Meek, ed. 2010. Complexity Theory for Public Administration and Policy 12 (1).
  URL: http://www.cqpress.com/product/Networked.html
  Abstract: In this paper, we refer to iterative learning as the developmental approach toward assessment that the La Verne MPA program faculty engaged in by designing and implementing a course-embedded program mission assessment. Iterative learning draws upon an understanding that informed assessment is a developmental process that involves deliberation, refinement and discussion. The paper places this approach within a larger assessment framework of 'models of professionalism' (Bowman, West and Beck 2010) and development of competencies. We present lessons learned from our multi-year effort, including challenges and future directions.
  URL: http://www.naspaa.org/JPAEMessenger/
  Meek, Jack W., and Kurt Thurmaier eds. 2012. Networked Governance: The Future of Intergovernmental Management. CQ Press.
  Morcol, Goktug, Lorlene Hoyt, Jack W. Meek, and Ulf Zimmerman, eds. 2008. Business Improvement Districts: Research, Theories, and Controversies. Public Administration and Public Policy Series, Auerbach Publications of Taylor & Francis.
  Koliba, Christopher, Jack W. Meek, and Asim Zia. 2011. Governance Networks in Public Administration and Public Policy. New York: CRC Press.