Table of Contents

2001
 

Volume Six, Number 1

Single Articles
    

1. A Description And Elaboration Of Reality, Power, and Ethics: A Dialogue Concerning Approaches To Political Theory
   Ronald J. Stupak, Ph.D., and David S. Greisler, DPA

   A thin but important line needs to be drawn between a theory creating political reality and one describing political reality. This distinction is at the core of what continues to divide political theory: The question is whether political scientists should strive for theories that describe reality in the tradition of science, or should they attempt to develop theories that describe reality in terms of what ought to be changed or remain the same. Regardless of one’s side on this "is" versus "ought" issue, there are common concerns beyond constructing reality that must be addressed: namely, power, ethics, organizations, and context. Clearly, one lives by means of theories; therefore, we hope that this article gives all participants involved in the "is/ought" dialogue a better understanding of what a theory is, how it can be used, how it can be abused, and its impact on political analysis.
    

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2. Comparative Analysis of Pension Plans in Western European Countries, Russia and the U.S. with Emphasis on Trends for Future Development of Russian Pension System
   Dmitry A. Yarushkin, MBA, and Dr. Thomas Bergmann, Ph.D.

   The objective of this paper is to consider the superannuation schemes presently being used in Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Scandinavian countries, Russia and the U.S. and to develop recommendations on theoretical and practical application of Western experience when creating a new superannuation scheme in the Russian Federation. All of the countries included in this study have one or more benefits plans available for retirees going by names such as pension systems, pension plans, or social security. The purpose of this research is to study the wide variety of retirement benefits available in those countries with the intent of drawing recommendation to improve the Russian Federation's pension system. Retirement benefits include wide variety of items, all of which are considered as part of the social security package. The paper is divided into three sections. The first one considers principles of social protection in Western countries and provides a retrospective look on development of this system from ancient times until modern days. Retirement insurance, in particular, is examined to provide the reader with knowledge of various European pension systems. The second section analyzes the U.S. pension plans. The American system has been studied because, first, the U.S. pension plans have succeeded in creating a high level of benefits for an ordinary American pensioner. Second, Russian's proposed reform of the private retirement insurance, is largely based on the decentralized model adopted in the U.S. The third section provides detailed information about the superannuation scheme of the Russian Federation, as well as the ways and methods to reform it at its present stage. This paper is the first to collect and analyze a variety of information both on various European and American pension plans and on the present status and methods to reform the superannuation scheme in the Russian Federation.
    

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3. A Case Study of an Exercise in Inclusiveness: The Americans with Disabilities Act in Local Government
   Heidi O. Koenig

   Local government managers are faced with the difficult task of incorporating the values of the Americans with Disabilities Act into the work environment. To aid them in that process, they may look to training consultants. This article details an exercise used to help employees of a local government in Illinois better understand how the purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act can be achieved.
         

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