Public Administration and management: Meaning, nature and significance

<2/”>a >The English word  administer‘ is derived from a combination of two Latin words and ?ministrate‘ meaning ?to serve or manage‘. Literally, the term means management the affairs of public or private. Administration refers to mobilisation of Resources – human and material- to achieve pre-set of objectives.

Administration is thus an activity undertaken in pursuit of the realisation of a goal. It is an effort requiring a group of persons, each individually carrying out certainallotted tasks, which when so performed by all, leads to the achievement of an objective which has already been established and made explicit.

Management is defined as an act of managing people and their work, for achieving a common goal by using the organization‘s resources. It creates an Environment under which the manager and his subordinates can work together for the attainment of group objective. It is a group of people who use their skills and talent in running the complete system of the organization. It is an activity, a function, a process, a discipline and much more.Planning, organizing, leading, motivating, controlling, coordination and DECISION MAKING are the major activities performed by the management. Management brings together 5M‘s of the organization, i.e. Men,Material, Machines, Methods, and Money. It is a result oriented activity, which focuses on achieving the desired output.

The nature of management can easily be brought out by the following Elements:

(i) Management is goal-oriented: Management is not an end in itself. It is a means to achieve certain goals. Management has no justification to exist without goals. Management goals are called group goals or organisational goals. The basic goal of management is to ensure efficiency and economy in the utilisation of human, physical and financial resources. The success of management is measured by the extent to which the established goals one achieved. Thus, management is purposeful.

(ii) Management is universal: Management is an essential element of every organised activity irrespective of the size or type of activity. Wherever two or more persons are engaged in working for a common goal, management is necessary. All types of organisations, e.g., family, club, university, government, army, cricket team or business, require management. Thus, management is a pervasive activity. The fundamental principles of management are applicable in all areas of organised effort.

Managers at all levels perform the same basic functions.

(iii) Management is an Integrative Force: The essence of management lies in the coordination of individual efforts in to a team. Management reconciles the individual goals with organisational goals. As unifying force, management creates a whole that is more than the sum of individual parts. It integrates human and other resources.

(iv) Management is a Social Process: Management is done by people, through people and for people. It is a social process because it is concerned with interpersonal relations. Human factor is the most important element in management. According to

Appley, ?Man- agement is the development of people not the direction of things. A good manager is a leader not a boss. It is the pervasiveness of human element which gives management its special character as a social process?.

(v) Management is multidisciplinary: Management has to deal with human behaviour under dynamic conditions. Therefore, it depends upon wide knowledge derived from several disciplines like engineering, Sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, etc. The vast body of knowledge in management draws heavily upon other fields of study.

(vi) Management is a continuous Process: Management is a dynamic and an on-going process. The cycle of management continues to operate so long as there is organised action for the achievement of group goals.

(vii) Management is Intangible: Management is an unseen or invisible force. It cannot be seen but its presence can be felt everywhere in the form of results. However, the managers who perform the FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT are very much tangible and visible.

(viii) Management is an Art as well as Science: It contains a systematic body of theoretical knowledge and it also involves the practical application of such knowledge. Management is also a discipline involving specialised training and an ethical code arising out of its social obligations.

The significance of management can be brought out by following points:-

(i) Achievement of group goals: A human group consists of several persons, each specialising in doing a part of the total task. Each person may be working efficiently, but the group as a whole cannot realise its objectives unless there is mutual cooperation and coordination among the members of the group. Manage- ment creates team-work and coordination in the group. He reconciles the objectives of the group with those of its members so that each one of them is motivated to make his best contribution towards the accomplishment of group goals. Managers provide inspiring Leadership to keep the members of the group working hard.

(ii) Optimum utilisation of resources: Managers forecast the need for materials, machinery, money and manpower. They ensure that the organisation has adequate resources and at the sametime does not have idle resources. They create and maintain an environment conducive to highest productivity. Managers make sure that workers know their jobs well and use the most effi- cient methods of work. They provide training and guidance to employeers so that they can make the best use of the available resources.

(iii) Minimisation of cost: In the modern era of cut-throat competition no business can succeed unless it is able to supply the required goods and Services at the lowest possible cost per unit. Manage- ment directs day-to-day operations in such a manner that all wastage and extravagance are avoided. By reducing costs and improving efficiency, managers enable an enterprise to be com- petent to face competitors and earn profits.

(iv) Survival and Growth: Modern business operates in a rapidly changing environment. An enterprise has to adapt itself to the changing demands of the market and Society. Management keeps in touch with the existing business environment and draws its predictions about the trends in future. It takes steps in advance to meet the challenges of changing environment. Changes in busi- ness environment create risks as well as opportunities. Manag- ers enable the enterprise to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of opportunities. In this way, managers facilitate the continuity and prosperity of business.

(v) Generation of EMPLOYMENT: By setting up and expanding busi- ness enterprises, managers create jobs for the people. People earn their livelihood by working in these organisations. Managers also create such an environment that people working in enterprise can get job satisfaction and happiness. In this way managers help to satisfy the economic and social needs of the employees.

(vi) Development of the nation: Efficient management is equally important at the national level. Management is the most crucial factor in economic and social development. The development of a country largely depends on the quality of the management of its resources. Capital Investment and import of technical know how cannot lead to economic growth unless wealth producing resources are managed efficiently. By producing wealth, management increases the NATIONAL INCOME and the living standards of people. That is why management is regarded as a key to the economic growth of a country.,

Public Administration and management is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of topics. Some of the most important subtopics include:

  • Public policy: The study of how governments make decisions and implement those decisions.
  • Public BUDGETING: The process of allocating resources to government programs and activities.
  • Public personnel management: The management of the people who work for the government.
  • PUBLIC FINANCE: The study of how governments raise and spend money.
  • Public law: The study of the legal framework within which governments operate.
  • Public management: The study of how governments can be more effective and efficient in delivering services to citizens.
  • Public ethics: The study of the moral principles that should guide the behavior of public officials.
  • Public administration reform: The study of how governments can be made more responsive, accountable, and effective.

These are just a few of the many subtopics that fall under the umbrella of public administration and management. The field is constantly evolving, as new challenges and opportunities arise.

Public policy is the study of how governments make decisions and implement those decisions. Public policy analysts study the factors that influence government decision-making, such as political ideology, economic conditions, and public opinion. They also study the impact of government policies on society.

Public budgeting is the process of allocating resources to government programs and activities. Public budget analysts study the needs of government programs and the available resources. They also develop proposals for how to allocate those resources.

Public personnel management is the management of the people who work for the government. Public personnel managers are responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training government employees. They also develop and implement performance management systems.

Public finance is the study of how governments raise and spend money. Public finance analysts study the sources of government revenue, such as taxes and fees. They also study the ways in which governments spend money, such as on Education, healthcare, and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE.

Public law is the study of the legal framework within which governments operate. Public law attorneys advise government officials on the legal implications of their decisions. They also represent the government in court.

Public management is the study of how governments can be more effective and efficient in delivering services to citizens. Public management scholars study the factors that contribute to effective government performance, such as leadership, organizational structure, and human resources management.

Public ethics is the study of the moral principles that should guide the behavior of public officials. Public ethicists study the ethical dilemmas that public officials face, such as conflicts of interest and whistleblowing. They also develop codes of ethics for public officials.

Public administration reform is the study of how governments can be made more responsive, accountable, and effective. Public administration reformers study the factors that contribute to government failure, such as Corruption and inefficiency. They also develop proposals for how to improve government performance.

Public administration and management is a complex and challenging field. It is essential for the effective functioning of government. Public administrators and managers play a vital role in ensuring that governments are able to provide essential services to citizens and meet the needs of society.

Public administration and management is a growing field. The demand for public administrators and managers is expected to increase in the coming years. This is due to a number of factors, such as the aging Population, the increasing complexity of government, and the need for governments to be more efficient and effective.

If you are interested in a career in public administration and management, there are a number of things you can do to prepare. First, you should get a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. This will provide you with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in public administration. Second, you should take courses in public administration and management. These courses will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field. Third, you should gain experience working in government or the nonprofit sector. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities of public administration.

A career in public administration and management can be rewarding and challenging. Public administrators and managers play a vital role in ensuring that governments are able to provide essential services to citizens and meet the needs of society. If you are interested in a career that makes a difference, public administration and management may be the right field for you.

Public administration is the implementation of government policy and also an academic discipline that studies this implementation and prepares civil servants for this work. As a professional discipline, public administration jobs are found in public sector organizations, including city, county, state, and federal governments, as well as public-sector corporations and nonprofit organizations.

Public administration is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of activities, from policy development to program implementation to service delivery. Public administrators work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses.

Public administration is a complex and challenging field, but it is also a rewarding one. Public administrators play a vital role in ensuring that government services are delivered effectively and efficiently. They also play a role in shaping public policy and ensuring that government is responsive to the needs of its citizens.

Here are some frequently asked questions about public administration:

  • What is public administration?
    Public administration is the implementation of government policy and also an academic discipline that studies this implementation and prepares civil servants for this work.

  • What are the different types of public administration jobs?
    Public administration jobs are found in public sector organizations, including city, county, state, and federal governments, as well as public-sector corporations and nonprofit organizations.

  • What are the skills and qualifications required for public administration jobs?
    Public administrators need to have a strong understanding of government policy and procedures, as well as the ability to manage and coordinate complex projects. They also need to be able to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and with different levels of authority.

  • What is the salary range for public administration jobs?
    The salary range for public administration jobs varies depending on the level of experience and the type of organization. However, public administrators typically earn a salary that is higher than the national Average.

  • What are the career prospects for public administration jobs?
    The career prospects for public administration jobs are good. The demand for public administrators is expected to grow in the coming years, as governments at all levels look to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their services.

  • What are the challenges of working in public administration?
    One of the challenges of working in public administration is the ever-changing nature of the field. Government policy and procedures are constantly evolving, and public administrators need to be able to adapt to these changes. Another challenge is the need to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and with different levels of authority.

  • What are the rewards of working in public administration?
    One of the rewards of working in public administration is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Public administrators play a vital role in ensuring that government services are delivered effectively and efficiently. They also play a role in shaping public policy and ensuring that government is responsive to the needs of its citizens.

  • What is the future of public administration?
    The future of public administration is bright. The demand for public administrators is expected to grow in the coming years, as governments at all levels look to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their services. Public administrators will play a vital role in shaping the future of government and in ensuring that government is responsive to the needs of its citizens.

  1. Public administration is the process of managing the resources of a country or state. It includes the following:

(a) Planning and implementing policies
(b) Providing services to citizens
(c) Collecting taxes
(d) Regulating businesses
(e) Maintaining order

  1. Public management is the process of overseeing the day-to-day operations of a government agency. It includes the following:

(a) Setting goals and objectives
(b) Developing strategies and plans
(c) Managing resources
(d) Measuring performance
(e) Communicating with stakeholders

  1. The main difference between public administration and public management is that public administration is more focused on the policy side of government, while public management is more focused on the operational side of government.

  2. Public administration is important because it helps to ensure that the government is able to provide essential services to its citizens. It also helps to ensure that the government is accountable to its citizens.

  3. Public management is important because it helps to ensure that government agencies are efficient and effective in their use of resources. It also helps to ensure that government agencies are responsive to the needs of their citizens.

  4. Some of the challenges facing public administration include the following:

(a) Budget cuts
(b) Staffing shortages
(c) Technology challenges
(d) Political interference
(e) Public distrust

  1. Some of the challenges facing public management include the following:

(a) Performance measurement
(b) Accountability
(c) Transparency
(d) Innovation
(e) Collaboration

  1. Some of the ways to improve public administration include the following:

(a) Decentralization
(b) Privatization
(c) E-government
(d) Performance-based budgeting
(e) Citizen engagement

  1. Some of the ways to improve public management include the following:

(a) Performance measurement
(b) Accountability
(c) Transparency
(d) Innovation
(e) Collaboration

  1. The future of public administration is likely to be shaped by the following trends:

(a) Technological change
(b) Economic Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization
(c) Demographic change
(d) Climate change
(e) Social unrest

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