Scope of Public Administration, Definition, and History

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Welcome to this hall as we study the scope of Introduction to Public Administration

Public administration is the machinery through which government policies and programs are implemented. It encompasses the activities of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling government operations to serve the public effectively. It is both a field of study and a profession, combining theoretical insights and practical applications to address societal needs.

Contents

  1. Definition of public administration
  2. Scope of public administration
  3. History of public administration
  4. Job opportunities for public administration
  5. Admission requirements to study public administration.

DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Definition of Public Administration

Public administration has been defined differently by scholars:

Woodrow Wilson: “Public administration is the detailed and systematic application of law. Every particular application of law is an act of administration.”

Luther Gulick: Public administration is concerned with “the execution of public affairs as distinguished from policy-making.” In essence, it involves the implementation of laws, policies, and programs to achieve societal objectives.

Scope of Public Administration

The scope of public administration can be divided into two broad perspectives:

  1. Managerial Perspective: This scope of Public Administration focuses on planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting (POSDCORB).
  2. Subject Matter Perspective: Includes administrative law, public policy, governance, and financial management.

It also extends to various areas, such as:

  • Public Services: Education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  • Regulation: Enforcing laws and ensuring compliance.
  • Crisis Management: Addressing emergencies like natural disasters or pandemics.

Historical Development of Public Administration

The evolution of public administration can be traced through several phases:

1. Classical Period (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)

  • Emergence as a Discipline: Woodrow Wilson’s 1887 essay “The Study of Administration” is often regarded as the formal beginning of public administration as an academic discipline. He advocated for the separation of politics and administration.
  • Scientific Management: Frederick Taylor introduced principles of efficiency and time management in administration.

2. Neoclassical Period (1930s-1950s)

  • Emphasis shifted to understanding human behavior in organizations.
  • Scholars like Herbert Simon criticized the rigid focus on efficiency and introduced concepts of decision-making and bounded rationality.

3. Modern Period (1950s Onwards)

  • Focus expanded to include comparative public administration, policy sciences, and development administration.
  • The field embraced interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from sociology, economics, and political science.

4. Contemporary Period (1990s Onwards)

  • New Public Management (NPM) emerged, emphasizing privatization, efficiency, and customer orientation in governance.
  • Current trends include digital governance, sustainability, and global cooperation.

Theories and Models of Public Administration

Theories of public administration provide frameworks for understanding how administration operates. They can be broadly categorized into classical, modern, and contemporary models.

1. Classical Theories

  • Bureaucratic Theory (Max Weber): Focuses on hierarchy, rules, and a formal structure to ensure efficiency and predictability.
  • Scientific Management (Frederick Taylor): Advocates for optimizing workflows and achieving efficiency through systematic analysis.
  • Administrative Management (Henri Fayol): Emphasizes principles like unity of command, division of work, and centralization.

2. Human Relations Theories

  • Focus on the importance of human behavior, motivation, and social factors in organizations.
  • Elton Mayo’s Hawthorne Studies: Highlighted the role of employee satisfaction and group dynamics in productivity.

3. Modern Theories

  • Systems Theory: Views organizations as open systems interacting with their environment.
  • Decision-Making Theory (Herbert Simon): Introduced bounded rationality, acknowledging that decision-makers operate with limited information and resources.

4. Contemporary Models

  • New Public Management (NPM): Emphasizes efficiency, performance measurement, and market-oriented reforms.
  • Good Governance Model: Advocates for transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making.
  • Public Value Theory: Focuses on creating value for citizens through collaborative governance.

List of job opportunities for Public Administration graduates

Government Sector

  1. Public Administrator
  2. Policy Analyst
  3. Urban Planner
  4. Public Manager
  5. Government Affairs Specialist

Non-Profit Sector

  1. Program Manager
  2. Development Director
  3. Public Policy Advocate
  4. Grant Writer
  5. Community Outreach Coordinator

Private Sector

  1. Management Consultant
  2. Public Affairs Specialist
  3. Government Relations Specialist
  4. Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
  5. Business Development Manager

international Organizations

  1. International Development Specialist
  2. Global Policy Analyst
  3. Humanitarian Aid Worker
  4. International Relations Specialist
  5. Global Health Specialist

Research and Academia

  1. Researcher
  2. Professor/Lecturer
  3. Policy Analyst
  4. Public Administration Consultant
  5. Academic Writer.

To study Public Administration in Nigeria, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications. Here are the requirements:

  1. 100 Level Admission: You’ll need five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, and Economics/Commerce/Government/History, obtained at not more than two sittings in WASC/SSCE/NECO
  2. 200 Level Admission: If you have a Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant program with a minimum of lower credit, or a National Diploma (ND) or OND with a minimum of upper credit, you may be considered for admission into the 200 level
  3. Other Requirements: Some institutions may also require additional tests, like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), or a minimum GPA for transfer students.

Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and program to. It’s always best to check with the institution directly for the most up-to-date information.

Conclusion On The Scope Public Administration

Public administration has evolved significantly, adapting to societal changes and global challenges. Its scope encompasses a wide range of activities, from policy implementation to public service delivery, while its theoretical foundations provide valuable insights into improving governance.

By studying public administration, we gain tools to enhance societal well-being and ensure efficient, equitable governance systems.

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