Question

Which of the following statements are correct about public administration?
i. It involves the execution of public policy within a political system.
ii. It is closely associated with private groups in providing community services.
iii. It excludes activities of the legislative and judicial branches.

• A. i and ii
• B. i and iii
• C. ii and iii
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i and ii

Understanding Public Administration

• Public administration is a broad field that encompasses the implementation of government policy and the management of public programs. It involves organizing and managing people and resources to achieve the goals of the state.
• It is a crucial component of the executive branch of government, responsible for translating political decisions into concrete actions and services for the public.

Key Aspects of Public Administration:

• Execution of Public Policy: Public administration primarily focuses on the implementation of public policies formulated by the legislative and executive branches. This involves translating laws, regulations, and government decisions into tangible programs and services. For example, a law on environmental protection is executed through administrative bodies like environmental agencies.
• Association with Private Groups: Modern public administration often involves collaborations with private entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups. This trend, often associated with concepts like New Public Management (NPM) and New Public Governance (NPG), emphasizes efficiency, service delivery, and partnerships to achieve public objectives. Examples include public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects or outsourcing of public services.
• Interconnectedness with Government Branches: Public administration is not exclusive to the executive branch and does not operate in isolation.
  • It interacts significantly with the legislative branch by providing expert input during policy formulation, drafting legislation, and implementing laws passed by the legislature. Administrators are accountable to legislative bodies.
  • It also interacts with the judicial branch as administrative actions are subject to judicial review, ensuring legality and fairness. Court decisions can directly impact and shape administrative procedures and policies.
  Therefore, the idea that it excludes activities of the legislative and judicial branches is incorrect, as all branches of government are interdependent within the political system.

Historical Context and Evolution:

• Traditionally, public administration was viewed through the lens of the politics-administration dichotomy, popularized by Woodrow Wilson, which suggested a clear separation between policy-making (politics) and policy implementation (administration).
• However, contemporary understanding recognizes that public administration is deeply intertwined with politics and requires constant interaction with all branches of government for effective governance.
• Prominent thinkers in public administration include Woodrow Wilson (father of American public administration), Max Weber (bureaucracy), Frederick Taylor (scientific management), and Herbert Simon (decision-making).