List of theorists in public administration. Definitions

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2. Meaning and definition of Public Administration
The word ‘public’ is used in a variety of meaning, but here it means ‘government’. Public Administration, therefore, simply means governmental administration. It is the study of the management of the public agencies that carry out public policies in order to fulfill the state purposes in the public interest.

·       “Public Administration is detailed and systematic application of law. Every particular application of law is an act of Administration.”  -- Woodrow Wilson.

·       “Public Administration consists of all those operations having for their purpose the fulfillment or enforcement of public policy.” – L.D. White

·       “Public Administration is the action part of government, the means by which the purpose and goals of government are realized.”   --Carson & Harris

·       “Public Administration is that part of the science of administration which has to do with government, and thus concerns itself primarily with the executive branch, where the work of government is done, though there are obviously administrative problems also in connection with the legitimate and judicial branches.”          -- Luther Gulick

·       “By Public Administration it meant, in common usage, the activity of the executive branches of the national, state and local government.”  -- Herbert Simone

·       “Administration Consist of getting the work of government done by coordinating the efforts of people so that they can work together to accomplish their set task. ”  -- Pfiffner

The traditional definitions given above reflect the view that public administration comprises those activities that are involved in carrying out the policies and programs of governments. It is regarded as the coordination of collective efforts to implement public policies as expressed in laws and interpreted by Courts. It is thought of as having no role in policy making. The traditional view identifies public administration with the administrative side of government as opposed to the legislative and judicial side. It presents too formalistic a picture of Public Administration.

Today, the tern Public administration is used by modern writers in a broader sense: having some responsibilities in determining governmental policies and programs as well as executing them. Some writers like F.A. Nigo are the opinions that all three branches of government are part of the study and practice of Public Administration.

According to Nigros, “Public Administration:
1.     is cooperative group effort in a public setting

2.     covers all three branches- executive, legislative, judicial and their inter-relationships.

3.     has an important role in the formulation of public policy and is thus a part of the political process.

4.     is different in significant ways from private administration, and

5.     is closely associated with numerous private groups and individuals in providing services to the community.

As analysis of various definitions quoted above shows that Public Administration stands for. By way of summary we may say that Public Administration:

1.     is the non-political public bureaucracy operating in political system

2.     deals with the end of the State, the sovereign will, the public interest and laws.

3.     is the business side of the government and as such concerned with policy execution; but it is also concerned with policy making.

4.     Covers all three branches of government, although it tends to be concentrated in executive branch.

5.     Provide regulatory and service function to the people in order to attain good life.

6.     Differs significantly from private administration, especially in its emphasis on the public, and