Question

Consider the following statements about the enduring impact of classical theory:

1. It transformed administration from an art to a science, fulfilling Woodrow Wilson's call for a "science of administration."

2. Classical principles influenced U.S. reforms like the Brownlow Committee (1937) and Hoover Commissions (1949, 1955).

3. Its limitations spurred behavioral inquiries, establishing it as the foundation of 20th-century administrative thought.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. 1 and 3 only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 1, 2 and 3

Enduring Impact of Classical Theory in Public Administration

• Transformation to a Science: Classical theory is credited with shifting public administration from a practice based on intuition and experience (an 'art') to a systematic and analytical discipline ('a science'). This aligns with Woodrow Wilson's vision, articulated in his 1887 article 'The Study of Administration,' which advocated for a scientific approach to governance.
• Influence on U.S. Reforms: The principles of classical theory, emphasizing efficiency, hierarchy, and specialization, significantly shaped major administrative reforms in the United States.
• Brownlow Committee (1937): This committee, chaired by Louis Brownlow, recommended strengthening the U.S. President's executive power and improving administrative efficiency, echoing classical tenets.
• Hoover Commissions (1949 and 1955): Tasked with reorganizing the executive branch for greater efficiency and economy, these commissions were heavily influenced by classical principles of management and structure.
• Foundation for Behavioralism: While classical theory provided a foundational framework, its perceived limitations (e.g., overemphasis on structure and a mechanistic view of workers) led to the rise of other schools of thought, most notably the behavioral approach. However, this subsequent development did not negate the foundational role of classical theory; rather, it built upon and reacted to it, establishing classical theory as a crucial starting point for 20th-century administrative thought.
• Key Classical Principles: Classical theory is often associated with principles such as division of labor, chain of command, span of control, unity of command, and departmentalization. These concepts provided the initial structure and logic for organizing large-scale public bureaucracies.