The Meaning of PA

The word “administration” has been derived from Latin words “ad” = to and “ministiare” = serve and “Public” = people or citizens. Thus the word administration means to execute the policy of government to serve public.

Management is also defined as Cooperative human endeavor to achieve given goals. Traditionally management is also defined as Management = POSDCORB which stands for Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordination, Reporting, Budgeting.

In general administration and management are used interchangeably.

A public administration as a practice is as old as the human civilization. When human beings started living in society in an organized way they started the practice of administration, because they started to live cooperatively in society. It is said that when a man tried to left a stone and was unable to do so alone and was helped by another man, the practice of “management/administration” began.

You must have seen Egyptian pyramids and must have thought how such huge structure was built. The construction of Egyptian pyramids in 1491 is an example of practice of administration, as it involved cooperative effort of thousands of people.

In Pakistan Mohenjodaro and Harrapa civilizations are a magnificent example of practice of administration. The two cities had well planned roads, granary, wells and walls around the city to protect it. Such planning of city shows that the rulers managed the city well.

So we can say that public administration as a practice is old as civilization.

But Public Administration as a discipline to be taught in formal educational institution, started after World War I (1914), in USA and then in Europe. The emergence of public administration as discipline in USA and Europe was due to the changing role of government. The Great Depression in USA and Europe brought large scale unemployment and low wages, and falling demand for goods. It was felt that in these circumstances the government should invest to provide jobs. Thus, the role of government was seen as prime mover in economy.

4. Now, try to answer the following question: why did Public Administration receive impetus as a subject? Discuss it with your partner(s) and check your answers below.

Following were the reasons for the emergence of public administration as a subject:

1. Expanding welfare role (distributive) of the government

2. The emergence of private sector and regulatory role, of government

3. The need for increased efficiency in the Organization

4. Development of Science and Technology

5. Better management of public matters through training

Can you add some more reasons? Explain your choice.

1. Free Speech

1. Work in groups. How many definitions of Public Administration do you know? Give as many as possible definitions of PA and compare your list with your partner(s).

2. Read the following definitions given in text 2 and discuss each. Do you agree with them? If so, which one would you choose as the best? Why? After all, give your own words definition of PA and prove it.

Text 2