Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about public administration?

1. It is concerned with the formulation and implementation of public policies for public welfare.

2. It exists solely within the legislative branch of government.

3. It is also known as governmental administration.

4. It focuses on the bureaucratic organization of the government.

• A. Only 1 and 3
• B. 1, 3, and 4
• C. 2, 3, and 4
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1, 3, and 4

Understanding Public Administration

• Public administration is a broad field that encompasses the implementation of government policy.
• It involves the management of public programs, the provision of public services, and the regulation of societal activities in the public interest.

Core Functions and Scope

• Statement 1: It is concerned with the formulation and implementation of public policies for public welfare.
  • This statement is correct. Public administration plays a crucial role in advising on policy formulation and, more significantly, in the execution and implementation of policies enacted by the legislative branch.
  • Its ultimate aim is to ensure public welfare and achieve societal goals.
• Statement 3: It is also known as governmental administration.
  • This statement is correct. Public administration is inherently linked to the operations of the government at all levels (local, state, national).
  • It deals with the management of governmental affairs and public resources.
• Statement 4: It focuses on the bureaucratic organization of the government.
  • This statement is correct. Public administration heavily relies on bureaucratic structures for its functioning.
  • Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy, with its emphasis on hierarchy, rules, impersonality, and specialization, is fundamental to understanding how government organizations operate.
• Statement 2: It exists solely within the legislative branch of government.
  • This statement is incorrect. Public administration primarily operates within the executive branch of government, which is responsible for implementing laws and policies.
  • While it interacts with the legislative branch (e.g., policy advice, budgeting) and the judicial branch (e.g., administrative law), its core activities are not confined to the legislature.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

• Woodrow Wilson, former U.S. President, is widely regarded as the 'Father of Public Administration' for his 1887 essay, "The Study of Administration," which called for a scientific approach to public administration separate from politics.
• The concept of Politics-Administration Dichotomy, proposed by Woodrow Wilson and Frank J. Goodnow, suggests a clear separation between political decision-making (policy formulation) and administrative execution (policy implementation).
• Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick are known for their POSDCORB (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, Budgeting) framework, which outlines the essential functions of a chief executive in public administration.
• The field has evolved through different phases, including the traditional (classical) approach, behavioral approach, New Public Administration (NPA), and New Public Management (NPM).