Public administration theory

Public administration theory refers to the study and analysis of the principles, concepts, and models that guide the practice of public administration. It provides a framework for understanding the complexities and challenges of managing public organizations and implementing public policies.

The aim of public administrative theory is to achieve politically legitimated goals by constituency moulded means. For the success of public administration, public administrators have borrowed various methods, role and theories from the other disciplines like economic, sociology, psychology etc. Theory building in public administration is not only related to develop a theory of administration but also to formulate a set of theories. Administrative theory is basically deals in the various ideas and views of various scholars.

Public administration theory encompasses various frameworks and concepts that guide the practice of managing public organizations and implementing public policies. Classical, neoclassical, and modern theories contribute to understanding the complexities of public administration.

Classical Theory:Rooted in the early 20th century, scholars like Max Weber and Frederick Taylor emphasized hierarchical structures, division of labor, and bureaucratic principles to enhance efficiency in public organizations.

This theory closely aligns with Woodrow Wilson’s public administration ideals. The Classical Public Administration Theory prioritizes efficiency in organizational work, professionalization, a pragmatic approach to bureaucracy, and merit-based promotions. The classical system includes a strict definition of responsibilities and objectives and control over all involved functions.

Since the 1980s, the classical system has been rejected by governments in favor of a market-based model of public organization.

New Public Management Theory In the 1980s, the New Public Management Theory (NPM) was created to make the civil service more efficient. To do so, it utilized private-sector management models. Giving local agencies more freedom in how they delivered services to citizens, the theory experimented with using decentralized service delivery models.

Advocates of NPM look to replace the disciplinary, academic, or moral emphasis of traditional public administration with a more “businesslike” perspective.

Postmodern Public Administration Theory The Postmodern Public Administration Theory alludes to the inner workings of every government entity, as it’s linked to the capitalist model of the late 20th and 21st centuries.

These theories provide a foundation for understanding the evolution of public administration and offer insights into effective governance and management strategies. They continue to shape the field as it responds to dynamic challenges in the public sector.

Public administration theory Public administration theory discusses the significance of government, the function of bureaucracy in supportive democratic governments, public affairs, and budgets.

After former President Woodrow Wilson wrote “The Study of Administration” in 1887, three branches of public administration theory evolved, namely:

Classical Public Administration Theory

This theory closely aligns with Woodrow Wilson’s public administration ideals. The Classical Public Administration Theory prioritizes efficiency in organizational work, professionalization, a pragmatic approach to bureaucracy, and merit-based promotions. The classical system includes a strict definition of responsibilities and objectives and control over all involved functions.

Since the 1980s, the classical system has been rejected by governments in favor of a market-based model of public organization.

New Public Management Theory

In the 1980s, the New Public Management Theory (NPM) was created to make the civil service more efficient. To do so, it utilized private-sector management models. Giving local agencies more freedom in how they delivered services to citizens, the theory experimented with using decentralized service delivery models.

Advocates of NPM look to replace the disciplinary, academic, or moral emphasis of traditional public administration with a more “businesslike” perspective.

Postmodern Public Administration Theory

The Postmodern Public Administration Theory alludes to the inner workings of every government entity, as it’s linked to the capitalist model of the late 20th and 21st centuries.