Public Administration

Introduction While classical and contemporary administrative theories often focus on hierarchy, efficiency, and rationality, several alternate perspectives challenge these paradigms by emphasizing ethics, social justice, and participatory governance. Thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi, Mao Zedong, and Julius Nyerere provide unique insights that contrast sharply with Western bureaucratic models. Their ideas underscore the role of moral authority,…

Introduction Feminist critique in public administration challenges the male-centric assumptions and hierarchical models that have historically dominated bureaucratic theory. Feminist scholars emphasize that public administration is not value-neutral; it is socially constructed and deeply influenced by gendered norms and power relations. Among the foremost voices in this domain are Camilla Stivers, DeLysa Burnier, and Devaki…

Introduction Conflict is an inherent feature of organizational life and public administration. Traditional views often considered conflict as dysfunctional, to be suppressed or avoided. Mary Parker Follett (1868–1933), a pioneering theorist in administrative thought, challenged this assumption by presenting conflict as a potentially constructive force. Follett emphasized that effective leadership and administration depend on the…

Introduction Motivation constitutes a central pillar of administrative theory and organizational behavior, influencing employee performance, job satisfaction, and overall institutional effectiveness. Among the foremost theorists on motivation, Abraham H. Maslow (1908–1970) is renowned for articulating a hierarchical model of human needs that explains the driving forces behind individual behavior in organizational contexts. Maslow’s framework, though…

Introduction Leadership remains a central dimension of administrative theory and organizational effectiveness, shaping decision-making, organizational culture, and performance outcomes. Among contemporary scholars, Rensis Likert (1903–1981) and Peter Drucker (1909–2005) stand out for their contributions to understanding leadership as both a behavioral and strategic function within organizations. While classical theorists like Fayol and Weber emphasized hierarchy…

Introduction The Ecological Approach, pioneered by Fred W. Riggs (1917–2008), represents a landmark in comparative public administration. Riggs introduced a contextual and environment-centered perspective, emphasizing that administrative systems cannot be analyzed in isolation from their political, social, economic, and cultural environments. Unlike classical models that focus on internal structures or universal principles, the ecological approach…

Introduction In the early 20th century, industrial and administrative thought was dominated by mechanistic and scientific approaches such as Taylorism and classical management. While these models emphasized efficiency, standardization, and hierarchical control, they largely neglected human behavior and social dynamics within organizations. To address this gap, the Humanist School of Management emerged, with Elton Mayo…

Introduction Decision-making forms the core of administrative theory, representing the process through which organizations select among alternatives to achieve objectives. Herbert A. Simon (1916–2001) revolutionized the understanding of administrative action by emphasizing decision-making as the fundamental unit of analysis in organizations. Contrary to classical views that focused primarily on structures, hierarchies, or rules, Simon argued…

भूमिका (Introduction) नौकरशाही आधुनिक शासन और प्रशासन का एक महत्वपूर्ण मॉडल है, जो व्यवस्थित, नियम-आधारित और पदानुक्रमित संरचना प्रदान करता है। इसकी व्याख्या विभिन्न विद्वानों ने अलग-अलग दृष्टिकोण से की है। मैक्स वेबर ने इसे एक आदर्श तर्कसंगत मॉडल के रूप में देखा, जिसमें दक्षता और नियमों के पालन पर जोर है। कार्ल मार्क्स ने…

Introduction Bureaucracy represents one of the most influential models of organized, rule-based, and hierarchical administration in modern governance. Its conceptualization has varied significantly across theorists. Max Weber presented it as an ideal-type rational model, emphasizing efficiency and procedural predictability. Karl Marx analyzed bureaucracy as a tool of social and economic power, reflecting the interests of…