IGNOU BOOK | Perspectives on Public Administration[BPAC-101] English medium

Product Overview & Details

BPAC-101: Perspectives on Public Administration is a course that explains the meaning, nature, evolution and different approaches to Public Administration. It helps us understand how administration works and how different thinkers and approaches have changed the study of administration over time.

1. Meaning and Nature of Public Administration

Public Administration refers to the activities carried out by the government to implement public policies, provide services and manage public affairs.

It deals with:

• Government organisations
• Public policies
• Public services
• Administration of government programmes
• Relationship between government and citizens

2. Classical Perspective

The Classical approach focuses mainly on organisation, structure, hierarchy, rules and efficiency.

Important thinkers:

• F.W. Taylor – Scientific Management
• Henri Fayol – Principles of Administration
• Max Weber – Bureaucratic Model

3. Neo-Classical Perspective

This approach gives importance to the human side of administration.

It focuses on:

• Employee behaviour
• Human relations
• Motivation
• Informal groups
• Social needs of employees

4. Behavioural Perspective

The Behavioural approach studies actual human behaviour and decision-making in organisations.

Herbert Simon is an important contributor. He introduced the idea of bounded rationality, which explains that people cannot always make completely rational decisions because of limited information and time.

5. Systems Perspective

The Systems approach considers administration as a system connected with its environment.

For example, political, economic and social changes can influence the functioning of public administration.

6. Development Administration

Development Administration focuses on the role of administration in achieving economic and social development.

It is especially important for developing countries because government administration plays a major role in:

• Poverty reduction
• Education
• Health
• Rural development
• Economic development

7. New Public Administration (NPA)

New Public Administration developed with greater emphasis on social equity and public needs.

Its important concerns include:

• Social justice
• Equality
• Citizen needs
• Responsiveness
• Accountability