Assessment of the Centex Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration

Abstract

This study is an assessment of the Central Texas Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. It examines the effectiveness of current programs and services offered by the Chapter and the need for programs and services in the future. The study uses an examination of literature on national professional associations, such as the American Library Association, to identify the primary functions for a local professional association, like the Centex Chapter. The literature reveals three primary functions associated with a local professional association, these are: Networking Opportunities, Access to Information, and Skill Development. The programs and services are rated based upon their effectiveness in providing these functions. The findings from the survey identify the memberships' attitudes and perception of the current and future programs and services of the Centex Chapter. The response rate of the membership survey was 35%. The results show that the Chapter's programs and services are considered effective in providing Networking Opportunities and ineffective at providing for Skill Development. Providing Access to Information has a neutral rating from the membership, with a few programs rated as effective and a few as ineffective. The recommendations for future activities are also identified, including new programs, services, and alternate locations for events.