ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the position of administrative history in contemporary administrative science. It looks into what the study of administrative history implies and positions it within the field of research. The chapter discusses the position of public administration vis-a-vis business administration in a historical context. It describes what current developments have taken place in administrative history. Administrative scientists are looking increasingly into the past. This is not surprising given that administrative science has once again become a full-fledged discipline, looking for both intellectual roots and valuable insights. The chapter discusses what type of research is characteristic for administrative history. Given governments' contemporary monopoly in guarding the framework for internal and external stability of society, there is a constant demand by government officials for expertise. The development of government can be most completely understood against the background of the interdependent complexities of various developments in its environment.
