Models Of Political Competence

Offering a systematic analysis of texts produced at the courts of Burgundy and Austrian Habsburg over a period reaching from the 1470s until the early 1700s, this book traces the development of the idea of successful and competent political behaviour as seen through the eyes of court historians between the fifteenth and the eighteenth centuries. The official chronicles and histories studied in this work not only reveal a growing influence of secular political thinking on the evolving model of political competence, but also present in detail the close relationship between the nascent state ideology and secular political theory. More broadly, following the development of official history-writing, Models of Political Competence highlights the importance of historiography for the research on political thinking and its relevance for our understanding of the modern state in Europe and its origins.

This analysis reveals how issue ownership, performance and competence shape public opinion about parties, government support and elections, over time and cross-nationally.

Why is political skill so important in business? In today's organizations, career success depends more on political skill-the ability to influence, motivate, and win support from others-than on almost any other characteristic. Political Skill at Work delivers the "how" to influence at work, not just the "what." The authors of this innovative study explore how people high in political skill are more successful at getting hired, building a reputation, and establishing leadership. From the worlds of business, politics, education, and sports, they offer compelling examples of political skill in action. And, for the first time, they provide ways to measure and enhance this powerful ability. Anyone interested in personal or professional development will find this book worthwhile.

A vital issue facing the citizens and governments of modern democracies is the direct participation of the public in the solution of environmental problems. Governments are increasingly experimenting with approaches that give citizens a greater say in the environmental debate. Fairness and Competence in Citizen Participation addresses a crucial question: How can we measure the performance of the citizen participation process? A novel approach to the problem is taken by viewing public participation as an act of communication. Drawing on Jürgen Habermas' Critical Theory of Communication, a normative framework is developed around the central area of citizen participation and competence in knowledge verification. A milestone on the road of citizen participation and applied critical theory, the book provides a sound theoretical and methodological basis for the systematic evaluation of models for environmental discourse. Eight models of citizen participation are studied, from North America and Europe. Each model is evaluated and criticized in paired chapters written by prominent scholars. Audience: Planners and citizens alike will find pragmatic advice in the evaluations.

This book adopts a long-term perspective to consider political self-determination, peacekeeping and the creation of political meaning. It analyzes problems in the nation-state system and assesses current issues regarding separatism and secession movements. Drawing on extensive research in the fields of political theory, democracy studies and social welfare, the book develops a framework of new rules on a fundamental level that can help nations overcome conflicts concerning borders and nationalities.

This volume focuses on the connections between social influence processes, broadly defined (e.g., power, politics, political skill and influence), and employee stress, health, and well-being.

This social work book is the first of its kind, describing practical steps that social workers can take to shape and influence both policy and politics. It prepares social workers and social work students to impact political action and subsequent policy, with a detailed real-world framework for turning ideas into concrete goals and strategies for effecting change. Tracing the roots of social work in response to systemic social inequality, it clearly relates the tenets of social work to the challenges and opportunities of modern social change. The book identifies the core domains of political social work, including engaging individuals and communities in voting, influencing policy agendas, and seeking and holding elected office. Chapters elaborate on the necessary skills for political social work, featuring discussion, examples, and critical thinking exercises in such vital areas as: Power, empowerment, and conflict: engaging effectively with power in political settings. Getting on the agenda: assessing the political context and developing political strategy. Planning the political intervention: advocacy and electoral campaigns. Empowering voters Persuasive political communication. Budgeting and allocating resources. Evaluating political social work efforts. Making ethical decisions in political social work. Political Social Work is a potent reference for social work professionals, practitioners, and students seeking core political knowledge and skills to practically advance their work. For specialists and generalists alike, it solidifies political action as vital for the evolution of the field.