Question

Which of the following statements about Public and Private Administration is/are not correct?
i. Public administration is primarily bureaucratic, while private administration is business-like.
ii. Public administration is free from political influence, unlike private administration.
iii. Public administration is subject to external financial control by legislative bodies.

• A. ii only
• B. i and ii only
• C. i, ii, and iii
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. ii only

Understanding Public vs. Private Administration

• Public administration involves the implementation of public policies, services, and programs by government agencies. It operates within the political system.
• Private administration, conversely, deals with the management and operations of private organizations, primarily focused on profit generation and market competition.

Key Distinctions and Clarifications:

• Statement i: Public administration is primarily bureaucratic, while private administration is business-like.
  • This statement is correct. Public administration often exhibits characteristics of bureaucracy, such as hierarchical structure, rule-bound operations, impersonal relationships, and a focus on procedures. This is to ensure fairness, accountability, and consistency in public service delivery.
  • Private administration, in contrast, prioritizes efficiency, innovation, flexibility, and profitability, adopting a more 'business-like' approach driven by market forces and consumer demand.
• Statement ii: Public administration is free from political influence, unlike private administration.
  • This statement is incorrect. Public administration is inherently and significantly influenced by politics. It is responsible for implementing the policies and laws enacted by political bodies (e.g., legislatures, executive branches).
  • Political leaders set the agenda, formulate policies, allocate resources, and oversee the administrative machinery. Public administrators are often appointed by political leaders, and their work is subject to political scrutiny and direction.
  • While private administration may be subject to government regulations or engage in lobbying, it does not operate under direct political control in the same way public administration does.
• Statement iii: Public administration is subject to external financial control by legislative bodies.
  • This statement is correct. Public administration utilizes public funds (taxpayer money). Consequently, it is subject to rigorous external financial oversight.
  • Legislative bodies (e.g., Parliament, Congress, State Assemblies) approve the budget, scrutinize public expenditure, conduct audits through bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India, and ensure fiscal accountability. This ensures public money is used appropriately and transparently.
  • Private administration's financial control primarily comes from its board of directors, shareholders, and market performance, not directly from a legislative body.

Important Points for Competitive Exams:

• The Wilsonian Dichotomy (proposed by Woodrow Wilson) suggested a separation between politics and administration, arguing that administration should be value-neutral and simply implement policies. However, in reality, this clear separation is difficult to maintain, and public administration is deeply intertwined with politics.
• Public administration is characterized by its emphasis on public service, equity, accountability, and rule of law, whereas private administration focuses on profit, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• The concept of 'New Public Management' (NPM) emerged in the 1980s, advocating for the adoption of private sector management techniques (e.g., performance measurement, market mechanisms) into public administration to improve efficiency and effectiveness.