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?

<p>To serve or manage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Simon et al define administration?

<p>When two men cooperate to roll a stone that neither could have moved alone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Due to the heterogeneous nature of the discipline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>People, action, and interaction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of public administration?

<p>Decision making and planning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Actualizes the government's vision and goals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is a cooperative group effort in a public setting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It has an important role in the formulation of public policy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is public administration different from private administration?

<p>It is closely associated with numerous private groups and individuals in providing services (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the community does public administration manage?

<p>Financial, human, and material resources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government does public administration specifically focus on?

<p>Public bureaucracy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Works with citizen organizations to gain support and funds for governmental programmes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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