Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the definition of administration?
i. Administration involves managing affairs to achieve a conscious purpose.
ii. Administration is the coordination of social energies to operate as a unity.
iii. Administration is limited to the activities of the executive branch.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i and ii

Understanding the Definition and Scope of Administration

• Administration, at its core, refers to the systematic organization and direction of human and material resources to achieve specific goals or objectives. It is a universal process applicable to all types of organizations, whether governmental, private, or non-profit.
• The field of administration aims to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in operations.

Analyzing Statement (i): "Administration involves managing affairs to achieve a conscious purpose."

• This statement is correct and highlights the goal-oriented nature of administration. Every administrative activity, from planning to execution, is undertaken with a clear objective or desired outcome in mind.
• The concept of a 'conscious purpose' means that administrative actions are not random but are deliberately directed towards achieving specific, pre-defined aims. For instance, a government agency administers welfare programs with the conscious purpose of improving citizens' living standards.

Analyzing Statement (ii): "Administration is the coordination of social energies to operate as a unity."

• This statement is also correct and emphasizes the collaborative and integrated nature of administration. 'Social energies' refer to the collective efforts of individuals, departments, resources, and various components within an organization.
• Coordination is a vital administrative function that ensures all these diverse elements work together harmoniously, avoiding conflicts, duplication, or inefficiencies, and collectively moving towards the organization's common goals.
• Classical administrative thinkers like Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick, in their famous POSDCORB framework (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, COordinating, Reporting, Budgeting), recognized coordination as a key principle for effective administration.

Analyzing Statement (iii): "Administration is limited to the activities of the executive branch."

• This statement is incorrect. While the executive branch is heavily involved in the implementation and execution of policies, administration is a much broader concept and is not confined solely to its activities.
• In government, administrative functions extend beyond the executive branch to include aspects of the legislative branch (e.g., policy formulation, oversight of administrative agencies) and the judicial branch (e.g., administrative law, review of administrative actions).
• Furthermore, administration exists in all types of organizations globally, including private businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions, none of which strictly operate with a governmental