Question

Gulick’s famous organizational delineation formula, summarizing the four bases of departmental organisation, is known as the:

• A. POSDCORB formula
• B. 7-Element formula
• C. 4P-Formula
• D. 8-Principle model

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 4P-Formula

Gulick's 4P-Formula in Public Administration

Luther Gulick, a prominent figure in Public Administration, proposed a framework for organizing government agencies. His renowned formula for departmental organization is known as the 4P-Formula.

The Four Bases of Departmental Organization:

• Purpose: This refers to the 'why' of the organization, focusing on the primary objective or goal it aims to achieve. For example, departments related to public health, education, or national defense are organized based on purpose.
• Process: This focuses on the 'how' of the work, emphasizing the methods, techniques, or skills employed. Examples include organizations based on accounting, engineering, or medical services, regardless of the clientele or purpose.
• Clientele: This basis organizes departments around the 'who' or 'whom' the organization serves. Agencies serving specific groups, such as veterans, children, or the poor, fall under this category.
• Place: This organizes an agency based on the geographical location of its operations. This is common in large countries where services need to be delivered across different regions, like state or regional offices.

Significance in Administration:

• Gulick's formula provides a conceptual tool for administrators to analyze and structure government functions effectively.
• It helps in avoiding overlapping responsibilities and ensures clarity in the division of labor within the administrative machinery.
• Understanding these four bases is crucial for designing efficient and responsive public organizations, a common topic in Public Administration syllabi for competitive examinations.

Historical Context:

Luther Gulick, along with William Allen White, chaired the President's Committee on Administrative Management in 1937, which produced the influential Report of the President's Committee on Administrative Management, often referred to as the Brownlow Report. His work significantly contributed to the development of administrative theory during the mid-20th century.