PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
“It is a detailed and systematic application of law.” Woodrow Wilson
“To carry out the directives of the politicians” Herbert Simson
“It includes all three branches” Prof Pfiffner
SCOPE
• Deference of Opinion on definition due to vastness
Scope as a discipline
1. Managerial View
a. Public administration is made up of managerial skills
b. Henri Fayol (5 functions – POCSC - Planning; Organizing; Coordination; Staffing; Communication)
c. Management of 3 Ms
d. Luther Gulick (POSDCORB - Planning; Organizing; Staffing; Directing; Coordination and Communication; Reporting; Budgeting)
2. Subject Matter View
a. POSDCORB is criticized; it overlooks other things
b. Many other fields – law and order, health, education
c. Public Ad is an instrument having two blades – POSDCORB and Subject matter
d. Administrative Theory (Walker)
i. Study of structure, organization, functions and problems of public authority
e. Applied Administration
i. Political
ii. Judicial
iii. Economic
iv. ……
3. Scope varies as per expectations (public) and declarations (state); all state activities
SCIENCE or ART
“Science is investigation and observation, followed by tabulation, classification and analysis.”
• Scientific theory (FW Taylor)
• POSDCORB
• It is a body of systematized knowledge derived from observation and experience
• Scientific method of study is applicable
• More and more accurate predictions
• If it is not science today, will be tomorrow
As an Art
• Running the administration
• Act of doing things
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
• As a specialized subject of Study
o Governmental problems
o In social perspectives, impact of gov’t policies
o Used in developing countries
o Teachings in colleges
• As an practice
o Public development
o Visible face of the government (W.W)
• Basis of government
• Instrument of providing services
• Instrument of implementing policies
• A stabilizing force in the society
Democratic Values
• Liberty
• Individualism
• Equality
Another View
• Constitutional Supremacy
• Rule of Law
• Representative Government