INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to

1. Explain the meaning of public administration. 2. Explain the significant association between public administration and the society. 3. Differentiate between the roles of policy making and policy implementation. 4. Explain the dictum, administration and policy dichotomy 5. Differentiate between private and public administration 6. Explain the roles of public administration

This lesson complies with the following course outcome: CO 1: To provide an understanding and appreciation of the challenges of public administration in a representative democracy.

Definition of public administration according to:

Felix A.Nigro & Lloyd G.Nigro (1984). Dwight Waldo (1965) Luther & Gullick (1937)-POSDCORB L.D.White (1965) Harold P.Cortner (Golembiewski, 1976) George J. Gordon (1978) Marshalls Dimock, Gladys Dimock(1969) Douglas Fox (1979).

1.

J.D. Williams public administration is all about the management of scarce resources to accomplish the goals of public policy. David H. Rosenbloom public administration is the use of managerial, political and legal theories and process to fulfill legislative, executive and judicial government mandates for the provision of regulatory and service functions for the society as a whole or for some segment of it.

2.

It is a government Executive. It involves the generation/ formulation & implementation of public policy. It involves various public policies regarding human behavior between executive and civilian. It covers 3 public branches-Executive, Legislative & Judicial. Has close connection with people since it gives services to everybody and civilian. It is different from Private Administration. But closely in term of providing services to the community.

1. 2. 3.

Its importance to society- How ? Its importance in a democracy country- How ? Its importance as a subject of study- How ?

Public Administration is an important part in social, cultural and economic of a country. A country can exists without Legislative or Judicial system but there is no country that can exist without administration.

 Policy is a major decision that determines the task

required in administration, such as what to be done, how, when and where it should be done.
Administration is the process where the policy and

decision is implemented, through law enforcement for example.

 Administration is free from political influences. Politic will not influence the administration process in

any aspect of people life.

Reason ?

To ensure public administration can develop as a professional service, unpolluted and able to manage government matter effectively and efficiently.

As a prime mover for the countrys development.

To arrange and to implement plans and programs for the country.

To implement government policies. Have influence towards government policy. As a dynamic agent. To ensure availability of peoples basic needs.

In term of OWNERSHIP In term of OBJECTIVES In term of RESOURCES In term of SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY In term of SIZE AND COMPLEXITY

Denhardt and Grubbs (1999) - public administration is different from the private sector because;
greater ambiguity of purpose VS bottom-line

profit making.
pluralistic decision making VS a few. visibility of public sector management VS closedoor.

PUBLIC ORGANIZATION
OWNERSHIP OBJECTIVES RESOURCES SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY Belongs to the Government To serve the public or people in the society Mostly from the taxes collected from the people To the superior, and also to the public

PRIVATE ORGANIZATION
Belongs to private ownership, e.g. owners, shareholders, and stakeholders. To maximize profits Resources are limited to only the owners, shareholders, and stakeholders. Accountable to only the owner and shareholders It operates on a narrow and specialized range of activities.

SIZE AND COMPLEXITY

It is the largest organization, and dominant force of the country

Scrutiny Decision Making

Public Scrutiny everyone citizen can comment Pluralistic involving many people

Close-door approach, scrutine only by the stakeholdes Decisions made by a few people

 Government is of the people, by the people, for the people

Ultimately ensures,

who gets what, when and how in society.

A good understanding of public administration will ensure;

proper management of government,

an effective administrative system,

fair distribution of development programs and projects to

the people,
good leadership, selection of leaders through fair elections.