Introduction to Public Administration
1. Meaning of Public Administration
Concept of Public Administration
Public Administration refers to the management and execution of government activities
aimed at serving society. It involves organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling
public resources and programs to achieve governmental objectives efficiently. In simple
terms, it is government in action, functioning through structured institutions and officials to
implement policies and deliver services to the public. Public administration primarily
operates through the executive branch of government, which carries out laws passed by the
legislature and decisions made by the judiciary.
Example
The government machinery is composed of three main branches:
Legislature – makes laws
Executive – implements laws (where public administration operates)
Judiciary – interprets laws
Among these, the executive branch is the key area of public administration, translating
policies into practical outcomes for society.
2. Definition of Public Administration
Woodrow Wilson’s Definition
Woodrow Wilson, who later became President of the United States, is regarded as the
Father of Public Administration. In his 1887 essay, The Study of Administration, he defined
public administration as the “detailed and systematic application of law.” This highlighted
that administration is both a practical activity and a field of academic study, focusing on
efficiency, scientific management, and the systematic execution of government policies.
Other Scholarly View
Some scholars further define public administration as the organization and management of
men and materials to achieve public objectives, emphasizing its focus on implementing
policies, delivering services, and promoting public welfare.
3. Origin and Historical Background
Early Practice
, Public administration as a practice is as old as human civilization. Even in primitive societies,
administrative functions existed to maintain order and coordinate community activities. For
example:
Heads of families managed household affairs
Tribal leaders organized community activities and maintained discipline
Early rulers oversaw taxation, law enforcement, and defense
Although administration existed in practice for centuries, it became an academic discipline
only in the 20th century. After World War I, universities established professional chairs,
textbooks, and courses to formally study administrative principles.
4. Father of Public Administration
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson is widely recognized as the Father of Public Administration. His 1887
essay, The Study of Administration, argued that administration should be studied
scientifically and independently of politics. Wilson emphasized efficiency, structured
management, and professionalism, laying the foundation for the modern discipline of public
administration.
5. Key Contributors to Administrative Thought
Aristotle
Aristotle, in his book Politics, analyzed forms of government, the organization of the state,
and the role of administration in maintaining justice and order. His work contributed to
early thinking about governance and administration.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Machiavelli, in The Prince, provided practical guidance on ruling a state, exercising authority,
and managing political and administrative affairs. His ideas influenced the development of
administrative theory and the understanding of leadership in governance.
These early contributions laid the intellectual foundation for modern public administration,
although the formal discipline emerged later.
6. Key Features and Characteristics of Public Administration
Public administration has several defining characteristics:
1. Meaning of Public Administration
Concept of Public Administration
Public Administration refers to the management and execution of government activities
aimed at serving society. It involves organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling
public resources and programs to achieve governmental objectives efficiently. In simple
terms, it is government in action, functioning through structured institutions and officials to
implement policies and deliver services to the public. Public administration primarily
operates through the executive branch of government, which carries out laws passed by the
legislature and decisions made by the judiciary.
Example
The government machinery is composed of three main branches:
Legislature – makes laws
Executive – implements laws (where public administration operates)
Judiciary – interprets laws
Among these, the executive branch is the key area of public administration, translating
policies into practical outcomes for society.
2. Definition of Public Administration
Woodrow Wilson’s Definition
Woodrow Wilson, who later became President of the United States, is regarded as the
Father of Public Administration. In his 1887 essay, The Study of Administration, he defined
public administration as the “detailed and systematic application of law.” This highlighted
that administration is both a practical activity and a field of academic study, focusing on
efficiency, scientific management, and the systematic execution of government policies.
Other Scholarly View
Some scholars further define public administration as the organization and management of
men and materials to achieve public objectives, emphasizing its focus on implementing
policies, delivering services, and promoting public welfare.
3. Origin and Historical Background
Early Practice
, Public administration as a practice is as old as human civilization. Even in primitive societies,
administrative functions existed to maintain order and coordinate community activities. For
example:
Heads of families managed household affairs
Tribal leaders organized community activities and maintained discipline
Early rulers oversaw taxation, law enforcement, and defense
Although administration existed in practice for centuries, it became an academic discipline
only in the 20th century. After World War I, universities established professional chairs,
textbooks, and courses to formally study administrative principles.
4. Father of Public Administration
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson is widely recognized as the Father of Public Administration. His 1887
essay, The Study of Administration, argued that administration should be studied
scientifically and independently of politics. Wilson emphasized efficiency, structured
management, and professionalism, laying the foundation for the modern discipline of public
administration.
5. Key Contributors to Administrative Thought
Aristotle
Aristotle, in his book Politics, analyzed forms of government, the organization of the state,
and the role of administration in maintaining justice and order. His work contributed to
early thinking about governance and administration.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Machiavelli, in The Prince, provided practical guidance on ruling a state, exercising authority,
and managing political and administrative affairs. His ideas influenced the development of
administrative theory and the understanding of leadership in governance.
These early contributions laid the intellectual foundation for modern public administration,
although the formal discipline emerged later.
6. Key Features and Characteristics of Public Administration
Public administration has several defining characteristics:
