Best Public Affairs Books of 2025

The Ninth Edition of Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse is the go-to guide for leadership theories and models. The book provides practical examples and questionnaires to help readers understand their own leadership style. The updated edition includes a new chapter on inclusive leadership, real-world cases featuring global leaders, and a discussion on leadership and morality. The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills, with Northouse's expertise making it a must-read for students and professionals alike.

The seventh edition of Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives by Michael E. Kraft and Scott R. Furlong offers a unique approach to understanding policy analysis and its role in assessing policy alternatives. The authors provide a comprehensive review of institutions, policy actors, and major theoretical models, and introduce an evaluative approach to policy that encourages critical and creative thinking. The book covers six substantive policy areas, including healthcare, education, and criminal justice, and provides students with the analytic tools they need to understand the motivations of policy actors. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in public policy and policy analysis.

The Seventh Edition of "Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow" by Craig E. Johnson is a comprehensive guide for leaders to make informed ethical decisions and create an ethical culture. The book provides real-world case studies, examples, self-assessments, and applications to increase students' ethical competence and leadership abilities. Johnson takes a multidisciplinary approach to explore the ethical demands of leadership and the dark side of leadership. The book is an excellent resource for any discussion on leadership and provides a unique approach to leadership ethics by contrasting how leaders can use their power and influence for good or evil.

Nonprofit Management: Principles and Practice by Michael J. Worth is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of managing nonprofit organizations. The book covers a wide range of topics, including governance, fundraising, financial management, and social entrepreneurship, and is appropriate for undergraduates, graduate students, and nonprofit professionals alike. The sixth edition has been updated to include new material on diversity, equity, and inclusion, volunteer stewardship, and ethical dilemmas. The book's balance of research, theory, and practitioner literature, along with current case studies, makes it a must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive overview of nonprofit management.

The Civil Service Exam Study Guide by Mometrix Test Preparation is a comprehensive resource for those seeking to pass their Civil Service Examination. With over 400 practice questions and step-by-step review, this third edition guide provides extensive coverage of all Civil Service test sections, including word relationships, analogies, reading comprehension, mathematics, and clerical. The guide features detailed answer explanations, video tutorials, and tips and strategies for optimal test performance. While not affiliated with any official testing organization, the Mometrix guide is a valuable tool for mastering the concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary necessary for success on the Civil Service exam.

Organizational Ethics: A Practical Approach by Craig E. Johnson is a comprehensive guide that provides readers with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in various workplaces. The book emphasizes ethics at the individual, group, and organizational levels, and includes self-assessments, reflection features, and application projects to help readers practice their ethical reasoning abilities. The latest edition includes new case studies, self-assessments, and discussions on cross-cultural ethical conflict and organizational virtue. Johnson, a professor emeritus of leadership studies, has written a practical and informative book that is a valuable resource for anyone interested in business ethics.

This Seventh Edition of Financial Management for Public, Health, and Not-for-Profit Organizations is an essential guide for students and practitioners in the public, health, and not-for-profit sectors. The authors provide a comprehensive yet practical introduction to financial decision-making and management skills. The book combines principles, theory, and analytics of accounting and finance, with exercises, case studies, and problems to reinforce essential mechanics of accounting. The author, Dr. Steven A. Finkler, is an award-winning teacher, author, and researcher, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop strong financial assessment and judgment proficiencies.

An Introduction to the Policy Process is an excellent introduction to the field of public policy. The author, Tom Birkland, presents the best current thinking on the policy process in an accessible and conversational style. The fifth edition includes new developments in policy theory and policy making, such as the Brexit referendum, the 2016 US presidential election, and the impact of social media. The book is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and introductory graduate courses in Public Policy, Public Administration, and Political Science programs. Overall, this book is an informative and comprehensive guide to the policy process.

Classics of Public Administration is a comprehensive textbook that introduces students to the principles of public administration through significant scholarly writings. The book covers a vast range of topics, including bureaucracy, public policy, evaluation, and ethics. The eighth edition includes 17 new readings, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars alike. The authors, Jay M. Shafritz and Albert C. Hyde, are highly experienced and respected in the field of public administration. This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of public administration.

Effective Supervisory Practices: Better Results Through Teamwork, 5th Edition, is a comprehensive guide for both experienced and new supervisors. It offers practical solutions to common supervisory challenges, including leading a team, conducting performance appraisals, and promoting a culture of accountability. The book also addresses the different needs and issues of employees and provides guidance on how to be a fair and effective leader. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their supervisory skills and contribute to an organization's success.