Introduction:

Administration is the backbone of any organized system, be it a government, a business, or a

non-profit organization. It is the art and science of efficiently managing resources, people, and
processes to achieve the goals and objectives of an entity. In this essay, we will delve into the
multifaceted realm of administration, exploring its key principles, functions, and significance in
various contexts.

At its core, administration encompasses a wide array of activities aimed at planning, organizing,
leading, and controlling resources to accomplish specific tasks. These activities are guided by
principles such as efficiency, effectiveness, equity, accountability, and transparency. Efficiency
refers to achieving objectives with minimal resources, while effectiveness pertains to the degree
of goal attainment. Equity emphasizes fairness and justice in decision-making processes, while
accountability and transparency ensure responsible conduct and openness in actions.

In the vast landscape of political science, administration serves as a critical nexus where theory
meets practice, shaping the dynamics of governance, policy implementation, and public service
delivery. This introduction aims to illuminate the multifaceted role of administration within the
realm of political science, exploring its theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, and
evolving significance in contemporary society.

At its essence, administration in political science encompasses the study and practice of
managing public affairs and resources to advance the collective welfare of society. It is deeply
rooted in theories of governance, bureaucracy, and public policy, drawing insights from
disciplines such as sociology, economics, and organizational theory. From the classical works of
Max Weber to the contemporary debates on governance and public management, the field of
political science offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on the nature and function of
administration in the modern state.

One of the central themes in the study of administration is the relationship between politics and
administration, often encapsulated in the dichotomy of politics-administration dichotomy. This
conceptual framework, first articulated by Woodrow Wilson, delineates the distinction between
the political realm of policymaking and the administrative realm of policy implementation.
While politics sets the goals and priorities of government, administration translates these into
concrete actions and outcomes, operating within established rules, procedures, and bureaucratic
structures. Administration as an activity is as old as society itself. But as an area of study it
originated, with the publication of Wilson’s essay on study of Administration in 1887. As a
process, administration occurs in both public and private organisations. It occurs in such diverse
institution as settings as a business firm, labour unions, religious or charitable organisations,
educational institutions, etc. Its nature is affected by the 1 sphere with which it is concerned.
Administration is commonly divided into two types, Public and Private Administration. As an
aspect of government activity, it has existed since the emergence of political system(s). While
public administration relates to the activities carried out by government, private administration
refers to the management of private business enterprises. It is important to understand the
functioning of administration for on this lies the understanding of the government. In this Unit an
effort has been made to bring the concept of administration, public administration in particular,
closer to you. This understanding will take you through the entire course of Public
Administration.

In the field of political science, the study of administration delves into two distinct realms:

Public administration, which concerns the management of government affairs and public
services, and,

Private administration, which focuses on the management of business enterprises and private
organizations. Understanding the dynamics, similarities, and differences between these two
domains is crucial for comprehending the complexities of governance, policymaking, and
organizational management in modern societies.

Public Administration:

Public administration is the implementation of government policy and the management of public
programs. It encompasses the management of public agencies and the actions of public officials.

The word "administer" comes from the Latin words, "ad" and "ministare", which mean "to
serve" or "to manage." It refers to the management of public or private affairs.

L.D. White "the art of administration is the direction, coordination, and control of many people to
achieve the same goal."

It is a specialized activity that focuses on implementing public policy, mainly through the
executive branch. It is the field of study that examines how government policies and programs
are designed, implemented, and evaluated. Public administration also includes the study of how
political and economic systems interact with administrative systems, as well as the analysis of
the role of public servants and the impact of bureaucratic rules and procedures on society.
It is a diverse field that encompasses various sub-disciplines, including public policy, public
management, and non-profit management. Public administration professionals work in a variety
of roles, such as government officials, managers, analysts, and consultants, and they are
employed at all levels of government, as well as in non-profit organizations and private
companies that work with the government.

Defining Public Administration:

Public Administration is a field of study and practice that has been defined and redefined by
various scholars throughout its history. Here are a few notable definitions of public
administration from different scholars:

LD Whites "Public administration consists of all those operations having for their purpose the
fulfillment or enforcement of the public policy."

Woodrow Wilson "Public administration is a detailed and systematic application of the law. Every
particular application of the law is an act of administration."

The nature of public administration is complex and multifaceted, and it is often described as
having several key characteristics. Some of the main nature of public administration include:

1. Publicness: Public administration is distinct from private administration in that it is concerned

with the management of public affairs and resources, and it is accountable to the public through
democratic institutions and processes.

2. Bureaucracy: Public administration is often associated with bureaucracy, which refers to the
system of rules, procedures, and hierarchy that is used to manage public affairs. Bureaucracy is
often criticized for being slow and inefficient, but it also serves important functions such as
ensuring fairness and consistency in decision-making.

3. Policy implementation: Public administration is responsible for implementing government

policies and programs. This includes developing and implementing policies, managing budgets
and resources, and ensuring that government programs and services are delivered effectively and
efficiently.

4. Service-oriented: Public administration is service-oriented, meaning that it is focused on

providing services to the public. This includes providing essential services such as healthcare,
education, and public safety, as well as promoting the public good through policies and
programs.
5. Political-administrative interaction: Public administration is closely linked to politics, and it is
influenced by the political environment in which it operates. Public administrators must navigate
the political landscape and work effectively with elected officials to achieve their goals..

6. Interdisciplinary: Public administration draws on knowledge from a variety of disciplines,

such as political science, economics, sociology, and management, to inform its understanding of
public problems and develop solutions.

7. Continual change: Public administration is a dynamic field that is constantly changing in

response to new challenges and opportunities. Public administrators must be able to adapt to new
policies, technologies, and societal trends in order to be effective.

Apart from the above nature and characteristics of Public Administration, there are several
scholars, who expressed two diverse views on the nature of public administration. It includes

1. Integral View

2. Managerial View

1. Integral View

From an integral perspective, public administration is seen as a fundamental aspect of

democracy, where the government is responsible for ensuring the welfare and well-being of
citizens. It is a process that involves the development and implementation of policies and
programs that serve the public interest. The focus of this perspective is on the public good and
the role of government in promoting it.

This view considers public administration as a complete activity. It includes all the persons, from
top to bottom, who have contributed to achieving the given objective. According to this view,
administration depends upon the subject matters of the concerned agency, that is, its difference
from one sphere to another.

L.D. White "Public administration consists of all those operations having for their purpose the
fulfillment or enforcement of the public policy. This definition covers a multitude of a particular
operations in many fields-the deliveries of a letter, the sale of public land, the negotiation of a
treaty, the award of compensation to an injured workman, the quarantine of a sick child, the
removal of litter from a park, manufacturing plutonium, and licensing the use of atomic energy"
Marshal E Dimock "Administration is concerned with the 'what' and 'how' of government. The
'what' is the subject matter, the technical knowledge of a field that enables the administrator to
perform his tasks. The 'how' is the technique of management, the principles according to which
cooperative programs are carried to success."

2. Managerial View

From a managerial perspective, public administration is seen as a set of processes and systems
that are used to manage and run the government. This perspective emphasizes efficiency,
effectiveness, and accountability in the delivery of public services. The focus of this perspective
is on the management of resources, the use of technology, and the development of policies and
programs that are responsive to citizens' needs.

According to this view, the works of only those who are engaged in the performance of
managerial functions in the organization constitute administration. In this managerial view, the
administration has the functions of planning, programming, and organizing all the activities in an
organization to achieve the desired ends. Luther Gullick and Herbert Simon subscribe to this
view.

Luther Gullick - "Administration has to do with getting things done; with the accomplishment of
defined objectives." (Gulick 1937:191)

Ordway Tead "Administration is conceived as the necessary activities of individuals (executives)

in an organization who are charged with ordering, forwarding and facilitating. the associated
efforts of a group of individuals brought together to realize certain defined purposes."

Scope of Public Administration:

The POSDCoRB view

Several writers have defined the scope of public administration in varying terms. Gullick sums
up the scope of the subject by the letters of the word POSDCoRB which denote:

Planning, Organisation, Staffing, Directing, Co-ordinating, reporting, and the Budgeting.

Planning means the working out in broad outline the things to be done, the methods to be
adopted to accomplish the purpose.

Organisation means the establishment of the formal structure of authority through which the
work is sub-divided, arranged, defined and coordinated.
Staffing means the recruitment and training of the personnel and their conditions of work.

Directing means making decisions and issuing orders and instructions.

Coordinating means inter-relating the work of various divisions, sections and other parts of the
organisation.

Reporting means informing the superiors within the agency to whom the executive is responsible
about what is going on.

Budgeting means fiscal planning, control and accounting.

According to Gullick the POSDCoRB activities are common to all organisations. They are the
common problems of management which are found in different agencies regardless of the nature
of the work they do.

POSDCoRB gives unity, certainty, and definiteness and makes the study more systematic. The
critics pointed out that the POSDCoRB activities were neither the whole of administration, nor
even the most important part of it. The POSDCoRB view overlooks the fact that deferent
agencies are faced with different administrative problems, which are peculiar to the nature of the
services, they render and the functions they performed. The POSDCoRB view takes into
consideration only the common techniques of the administration and ignores the study of the
‘subject matter’ with which the agency is concerned.

A major defect is that the POSDCoRB view does not contain any reference to the formulation
and implementation of the policy. Therefore, the scope of administration is defined very
narrowly, being too inward looking and too conscious of the top management.

As a subject matter, public administration holds immense importance as a subject matter due to
its critical role in shaping the functioning of governments, public policies, and the delivery of
essential services. By studying public administration, individuals gain insights into the
complexities of managing public resources, implementing policies, and addressing societal
needs. This discipline provides a framework for understanding the principles of governance,
organizational behavior, and decision-making processes within public institutions. Moreover, the
study of public administration equips students with practical skills and knowledge necessary for
effective leadership, policy analysis, and public service delivery. Whether aspiring to work in
government agencies, non-profit organizations, or international institutions, a solid
understanding of public administration is indispensable for navigating the complexities of public
affairs and making meaningful contributions to society. Additionally, the study of public
administration fosters critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to public service,
preparing individuals to tackle the diverse challenges and opportunities facing communities,
nations, and the global community. In essence, public administration serves as a cornerstone for
developing informed and capable leaders dedicated to promoting the common good and
advancing democratic values in governance.

As an activity, public administration as an activity holds immense importance in ensuring the

effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services to citizens. It
involves the management of public resources, formulation and implementation of policies, and
maintenance of administrative systems to address the needs and aspirations of society. Public
administration plays a critical role in promoting good governance, transparency, and
accountability in public affairs, thereby fostering trust and confidence in government institutions.
Moreover, it facilitates the efficient allocation of resources, allocation of budgets, and
coordination of efforts to tackle pressing issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and
social welfare. Public administration also serves as a mechanism for citizen engagement and
participation in the governance process, enabling individuals to voice their concerns, provide
feedback, and hold government officials accountable for their actions. Additionally, public
administration contributes to the promotion of democratic values and principles, ensuring that
government actions are guided by the rule of law, respect for human rights, and responsiveness
to the needs of all segments of society. In essence, public administration as an activity is essential
for fostering inclusive development, upholding the public interest, and advancing the common
good in diverse communities and nations.

Private Administration:

Private Administration is defined as management and organisation of private business

enterprises. It is an administrative function carried out by the private individuals or a group, to
earn a profit. It is a business activity which is non-political in nature. It involves an array of
activities like planning, organising, controlling, coordinating and implementation of policies and
programs, performed by the management of the organisation.

It works for the economic benefit of the organisation, taking into account the interest of
employees and clients or partners as well of the concerned organisation.

In the context of political science, private administration refers to the management and
organizational practices of private sector entities, including businesses, non-profit organizations,
and other non-governmental institutions. Unlike public administration, which is primarily
concerned with the implementation of government policies and the management of public
programs, private administration operates within the competitive market environment and is
driven by profit motives and efficiency.

Private administration encompasses a range of activities aimed at achieving organizational goals

such as profitability, market share, and customer satisfaction. It involves strategic planning,
resource allocation, decision-making, and performance management. The primary objective is to
maximize shareholder value and sustain competitive advantage in the market.

From a political science perspective, private administration is significant due to its interaction
with public policy, regulatory frameworks, and its impact on the economy and society. Private
sector organizations often influence public policy through lobbying, advocacy, and corporate
social responsibility initiatives. Additionally, the private sector's role in providing goods and
services, creating jobs, and driving innovation underscores its importance in the political and
economic landscape.

Private administration is characterized by a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness to

market conditions. Organizational structures can vary from hierarchical to flat and matrix
configurations, allowing for adaptive strategies in response to external changes. The decision-
making process in private administration is typically more agile, with managers having greater
autonomy compared to their public sector counterparts.

The interaction between private administration and public administration is also a crucial area of
study within political science, particularly in understanding how public policies affect business
operations and how private enterprises contribute to public goals. This interplay highlights the
interconnectedness of public and private sectors in shaping societal outcomes and driving
economic development.