Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the definition of administration?
i. Administration involves the systematic ordering of affairs and calculated use of resources to achieve a purpose.
ii. Administration is solely the responsibility of the executive branch of government.

• A. i only
• B. ii only
• C. Both i and ii
• D. Neither i nor ii

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i only

Understanding the Concept of Administration

• Administration is a broad and universal concept that refers to the systematic ordering of affairs and the calculated use of resources to achieve a specific purpose or goal.
• It encompasses the entire range of activities, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting (often summarized as POSDCORB by Luther Gulick).
• This definition applies to all types of organizations – be it government bodies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or even personal affairs.
• The core idea is efficiency and effectiveness in achieving objectives through structured processes and optimal resource utilization.

Scope and Nature of Administration

• The statement that administration is solely the responsibility of the executive branch of government is incorrect.
• While the executive branch is a primary executor of public administration, administration itself is a pervasive activity found in all branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) and across all sectors of society.
• For instance, legislative bodies have their own administrative functions (managing staff, resources, legislative processes), and judicial bodies require administration for court operations, record keeping, and scheduling.
• Public Administration is a specific branch of administration concerned with the implementation of government policy, but it is just one facet of the broader concept of administration.

Key Facts and Pioneers for Competitive Exams

• Woodrow Wilson, in his 1887 essay "The Study of Administration," is often credited with formally launching the academic field of public administration in the U.S., advocating for a politics-administration dichotomy.
• Henry Fayol, a French mining engineer, developed the first comprehensive theory of management, outlining 14 principles of administration applicable to all organizations.
• Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy significantly influenced the understanding of administrative structures, emphasizing hierarchy, rules, impersonality, and technical competence.
• The classical theories of administration focused on efficiency and structure, while later approaches like the human relations movement emphasized the human element.
• Administration is distinct from, yet closely related to, concepts like management (often seen as a subset of administration, more focused on day-to-day operations) and organization (the structure within which administration takes place).