Mutual Critiques among Traditions ◾ 199
reform and Progressive Era, administrators have aligned themselves with business-
led community “boosterism,” particularly in high- growth areas like southwestern
states (Bridges 1997). In short, “professionalism in government is good for business”
(Stout 2009a, 299). Administrators help civic and business leaders inuence policy
making toward their benet.
erefore, rather than trusting administrators to sort out the problem of
political self- interest or market capture, those associated with the Collaborative
Tradition seek direct responsiveness to the citizens aected, ensuring that their
interpretation of social equity is what guides decision making. But, as noted (see
“Collaboration Fails to ...