Definitions of Public Administration

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Questions and Answers

According to Pfifner and Prethus, how do they define administration?

Cooperation among goals and activities of a group of persons

To look after people and manage affairs

Organization and direction of human and material resources to achieve desired ends (correct)

When two men cooperate to roll a stone that neither could have moved alone

What does the word 'public' denote in the context of public administration?

Something that is open, communal, unrestricted and easy to access (correct)

To serve or manage

The citizens of a given area

Cooperation among goals and activities of a group of persons

According to E. N. Gladden, what is the definition of administration?

To look after people and manage affairs (correct)

When two men cooperate to roll a stone that neither could have moved alone

Activities of group of persons cooperating among goals

The organization and direction of human and material resources to achieve desired ends

What is the meaning of the word 'administration' as per its Latin origin?

To serve or manage Signup and view all the answers

How do Simon et al define administration?

When two men cooperate to roll a stone that neither could have moved alone Signup and view all the answers

According to Dwight Waldo, why is it impossible to have a single authoritative definition of public administration?

Due to the heterogeneous nature of the discipline Signup and view all the answers

What are the three elements that combine leading to administration according to Simon et al?

People, action, and interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of public administration?

Decision making and planning Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Ghana, what does the public administration system do?

Actualizes the government's vision and goals Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing characteristic of public administration according to the text?

It is a cooperative group effort in a public setting Signup and view all the answers

What role does public administration play in the formulation of public policy?

It has an important role in the formulation of public policy Signup and view all the answers

How is public administration different from private administration?

It is closely associated with numerous private groups and individuals in providing services Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the community does public administration manage?

Financial, human, and material resources Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government does public administration specifically focus on?

Public bureaucracy Signup and view all the answers

What does public administration do with citizen organizations to gain public support and funds for governmental programmes?

Works with citizen organizations to gain support and funds for governmental programmes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Administration

Administration is defined by Pfifner and Prethus as a management process.
According to E.N.Gladden, administration is the direction, coordination, and supervision of public enterprises.
The word 'administration' originates from the Latin words 'ad' (to) and 'ministrare' (to serve), meaning to serve or manage.

Public Administration

The word 'public' in public administration denotes the involvement of the state or government in the management of public affairs.
According to Simon et al, administration is a decision-making process that involves the coordination of efforts to achieve a common goal.
The primary focus of public administration is on the management of public resources to achieve public goals.

Characteristics of Public Administration

A distinguishing characteristic of public administration is its focus on the public interest.
Public administration is distinct from private administration as it is concerned with the management of public resources for the benefit of the public.

Role of Public Administration

Public administration plays a crucial role in the formulation of public policy.
It manages the political, economic, and social aspects of the community.
Public administration specifically focuses on the executive branch of government.
It works with citizen organizations to gain public support and funds for governmental programmes.

Contextualizing Public Administration

In the context of Ghana, the public administration system is responsible for managing public resources and implementing government policies.
According to Dwight Waldo, it is impossible to have a single authoritative definition of public administration due to its diverse and complex nature.
Simon et al identify three elements that combine to lead to administration: decision-making, coordination, and supervision.

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Description

This quiz explores different perspectives and definitions of public administration, considering its heterogeneous nature and the meanings of 'public' and 'administration'. It also delves into the origins of the word 'administration' and its Latin root.