Theory in Public Administration

Full Answer Section

• The human relations theory of public administration: This theory, which was developed in the mid-20th century, emphasizes the importance of people in government. It argues that governments should be run in a way that takes into account the needs and motivations of employees.
  Opens in a new windowwww.studocu.com

  Human relations theory of public administration
• The political theory of public administration: This theory, which was developed in the late 20th century, emphasizes the importance of politics in government. It argues that governments are not simply bureaucracies, but are also political institutions that are influenced by the power of interest groups and the public.
  Opens in a new windowalchetron.com

  Political theory of public administration

These are just a few of the many different theories in public administration. Each theory has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each can be applied to different situations.

How and why do we use theory?

We use theories in public administration to understand how governments work and to develop better policies and practices. Theories can help us to identify problems, to generate solutions, and to evaluate the effectiveness of those solutions.

For example, the classical theory of public administration can help us to identify problems with inefficiency and red tape in government. The human relations theory of public administration can help us to generate solutions to these problems, such as by creating more employee-friendly workplaces. The political theory of public administration can help us to evaluate the effectiveness of these solutions, by considering the impact of interest groups and the public.

Theories are not perfect, but they are essential tools for understanding and improving government.

I will identify two theorists and their theoretical perspective:

• Max Weber: Weber was a German sociologist who developed the classical theory of public administration. He argued that governments should be run like businesses, with clear hierarchies and lines of authority. He also argued that governments should be based on the rule of law, which means that they should be impartial and fair.
  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Max Weber
• Herbert Simon: Simon was an American political scientist who developed the decision-making theory of public administration. He argued that public administrators are not always rational actors, but are instead limited by their knowledge, time, and resources. He also argued that public administrators should make decisions that are "satisficing," which means that they should be good enough, but not perfect.
  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Herbert Simon

I will comment on what they have to say:

I agree with Weber that governments should be run like businesses, with clear hierarchies and lines of authority. I also agree with Simon that public administrators are not always rational actors, but are instead limited by their knowledge, time, and resources. However, I disagree with Simon that public administrators should make decisions that are "satisficing." I believe that public administrators should strive to make the best possible decisions, even if it means taking more time and effort.

Do I believe other countries’ administrative systems are becoming “Americanized” as a result of globalization?

Yes, I believe that other countries' administrative systems are becoming "Americanized" as a result of globalization. This is because globalization is leading to increased contact and cooperation between countries. As countries interact more with each other, they are exposed to different ideas and practices. This can lead to a convergence of administrative systems, as countries adopt practices that they believe are more effective.

For example, many countries are adopting the New Public Management (NPM) model, which is an approach to public administration that emphasizes efficiency, competition, and customer service. The NPM model is based on American ideas about public administration, and it has been adopted by countries around the world.

However, it is important to note that not all countries are becoming "Americanized." There are still many countries that have their own unique administrative systems. The extent to which a country's administrative system is "Americanized" will depend on a number of factors, including the country's history, culture, and political system.

Sample Answer

Public administration is the study of how governments work and how they can be made more efficient and effective. Theories in public administration help us to understand the complex dynamics of government and to develop better policies and practices.

There are many different theories in public administration, but they all share a common goal: to understand how governments work and how they can be improved. Some of the most influential theories in public administration include:

• The classical theory of public administration: This theory, which was developed in the early 20th century, emphasizes the importance of efficiency and order in government. It argues that governments should be run like businesses, with clear hierarchies and lines of authority