Public Administration Meaning, Scope, Nature and Importance

<–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 is the implementation of government policy, and an academic discipline that studies this implementation and prepares civil servants for this work. As a “field of inquiry with a diverse scope”, public administration is “concerned with the organization, improvement and reform of the institutions and processes of government”. Public administration is “a broad field of study that encompasses a wide range of topics, from the role of government in society to the management of public programs.”

The subtopics of public administration include:

Public policy: The study of how governments make and implement decisions.
Public management: The study of how governments organize and manage their resources.
PUBLIC FINANCE: The study of how governments raise and spend money.
Public law: The study of the legal framework of government.
Public ethics: The study of the moral principles that should guide government officials.
Public administration reform: The study of how to improve the performance of government.

Public administration is important because it is the means by which governments deliver services to their citizens. It is also important because it helps to ensure that governments are accountable to their citizens.

Public administration is a complex and challenging field, but it is also a rewarding one. Public administrators play a vital role in ensuring that governments are effective and efficient in their delivery of services. They also play a key role in ensuring that governments are accountable to their citizens.

Public administration is a growing field, and there is a high demand for qualified public administrators. If you are interested in a career in Public Service, public administration is a great option.

Here are some of the key challenges facing public administration today:

The increasing complexity of government: Governments are becoming increasingly complex, as they take on more and more responsibilities. This makes it difficult for public administrators to keep track of all the different programs and initiatives that are underway.
The need for greater efficiency and effectiveness: Governments are under pressure to be more efficient and effective in their use of resources. This means that public administrators need to find ways to do more with less.
The need for greater accountability: Governments are increasingly being held accountable for their actions. This means that public administrators need to be more transparent and open in their decision-making.
The need for greater innovation: Governments need to be able to innovate in order to meet the changing needs of their citizens. This means that public administrators need to be willing to experiment with new ideas and approaches.

Despite these challenges, public administration is a vital and important field. Public administrators play a key role in ensuring that governments are effective and efficient in their delivery of services. They also play a key role in ensuring that governments are accountable to their citizens. If you are interested in a career in public service, public administration is a great option.

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 field it overlaps with public policy, public management, public finance, public law, and political science.

Public administration is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of activities and functions. Some of the most common tasks associated with public administration include:

Policy development and implementation
BUDGETING and financial management
Personnel management
Program evaluation
Public relations and communications
Information technology management
Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE planning and development
Emergency management
Law enforcement
Social services
Environmental protection
Economic Development
Transportation
Education
Health care

Public administration is important because it helps to ensure that government services are delivered effectively and efficiently. It also plays a role in promoting economic growth, social welfare, and environmental protection.

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. As a professional field it overlaps with public policy, public management, public finance, public law, and political science.
What are the different types of public administration?
There are many different types of public administration, but some of the most common include:
National government administration
State Government administration
Local Government administration
Intergovernmental administration
International administration
What are the different levels of public administration?
Public administration can be divided into three levels:
National government administration: This is the administration of the federal government.
State government administration: This is the administration of state governments.
Local government administration: This is the administration of local governments, such as cities, counties, and towns.
What are the different functions of public administration?
The functions of public administration can be divided into four categories:
Policy development and implementation: This involves developing and implementing government policies.
Budgeting and financial management: This involves managing government finances.
Personnel management: This involves managing government employees.
Program evaluation: This involves evaluating the effectiveness of government programs.
What are the different challenges of public administration?
Some of the challenges of public administration include:
Bureaucracy: Bureaucracy is a System of Government in which officials are appointed to positions based on their qualifications rather than their political connections. This can lead to inefficiency and red tape.
Corruption: Corruption is the abuse of power for personal gain. This can lead to a loss of public trust in government.
Inefficiency: Inefficiency can occur when government agencies are not well-managed or when they are not given the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
Lack of accountability: Lack of accountability can occur when government officials are not held responsible for their actions. This can lead to a loss of public trust in government.
What are the different reforms of public administration?
Some of the reforms of public administration include:
Deregulation: Deregulation is the process of reducing government regulation of businesses and industries. This can lead to increased competition and efficiency.
Privatization: Privatization is the process of transferring government services to the private sector. This can lead to cost Savings and improved efficiency.
Reinventing government: Reinventing government is a movement that seeks to make government more efficient and effective. This can involve changes to the way government agencies are organized and managed.
What are the different theories of public administration?
Some of the theories of public administration include:
Classical theory: Classical theory is based on the idea that government should be run like a business. This theory emphasizes efficiency, order, and control.
Human relations theory: Human relations theory is based on the idea that employees are motivated by more than just money. This theory emphasizes the importance of employee satisfaction and morale.
Systems theory: Systems theory is based on the idea that government is a complex system that interacts with its environment. This theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the interrelationships between different parts of government.
Contingency theory: Contingency theory is based on the idea that there is no one best way to manage government. This theory emphasizes the importance of adapting management practices to the specific situation.

Public Administration Meaning, Scope, Nature and Importance

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 multidisciplinary field of study, public administration is concerned with “the management of public programs”.

Public administration is a broad term that can refer to a variety of activities, including:

The management of government agencies
The delivery of public services
The regulation of private businesses
The enforcement of laws
The collection of taxes
The provision of financial assistance

Public administration is important because it helps to ensure that government is effective and efficient. It also helps to ensure that government is accountable to the people.

MCQs

Public administration is the implementation of government policy.
(a) True
(b) False
Public administration is also an academic discipline that studies this implementation and prepares civil servants for this work.
(a) True
(b) False
Public administration is a broad term that can refer to a variety of activities, including the management of government agencies, the delivery of public services, the regulation of private businesses, the enforcement of laws, the collection of taxes, and the provision of financial assistance.
(a) True
(b) False
Public administration is important because it helps to ensure that government is effective and efficient.
(a) True
(b) False
Public administration also helps to ensure that government is accountable to the people.
(a) True
(b) False

Answers