Public Administration Ethics and Theory

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of affirmative action?

It can lead to a perception of meritocracy, undermining confidence in an equitable system.

It can raise questions about the qualifications of individuals from historically marginalized groups.

It is a temporary solution designed to address short-term imbalances.

It can create a more inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and respected. (correct)

Why is the concept of "affirming diversity" considered an extension of affirmative action?

Affirming diversity emphasizes embracing and leveraging differences, while affirmative action focuses primarily on increasing representation. (correct)

Affirming diversity focuses on creating a more equitable society, while affirmative action is concerned with specific groups.

Affirmative action is a temporary solution, while affirming diversity is a more permanent approach to inclusion.

Which of the following best describes the "Problem Recognition" stage in the Cycle of Affirmative Action?

Implementing policies and strategies to increase representation.

Assessing the effectiveness of existing affirmative action programs.

Evaluating the impact of affirmative action on organizational culture.

Acknowledging the underrepresentation of certain groups in an organization. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a core element of the managerial approach to public administration, according to the text?

Selecting administrators primarily based on their political connections (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern regarding administrative ethics, as presented by Dennis F. Thompson?

The difficulty of applying moral principles to complex administrative situations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does "street-level bureaucracy" refer to, according to Michael Lipsky?

Public employees who directly interact with citizens in implementing government services (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the "ethic of neutrality" in public administration?

The belief that public administrators should prioritize the values and principles of their superiors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key argument regarding public administrative theory?

Public administration is a complex field that cannot be adequately understood through a single theoretical approach (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the "ethic of structure" in public administration?

To maintain the integrity of the government as a whole, regardless of individual actions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does Robert Parker highlight in his critique of public administration?

The lack of a cohesive theoretical foundation for understanding public administration (D) Signup and view all the answers

What makes the "human face of policy" crucial in the context of street-level bureaucracy?

It emphasizes the impact of policy decisions on individual citizens and communities (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of representative bureaucracy?

Reflecting the demographic composition of the population served (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does passive representation refer to?

Demographic characteristics of administrators mirroring the population (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is active representation in the context of bureaucratic representation?

Administrators pursuing interests of the groups they represent (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Krislov's theory, what is essential for democratic governance?

Class representation within bureaucracies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'nesting' refer to in representative bureaucracy?

Building concepts that support one another in governance (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which system allows staff with less seniority to be displaced by more senior employees?

Bumping (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does House Bill No. 4479 aim to strengthen?

Anti-discrimination measures in the workplace (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of opportunity does compensatory opportunity aim to provide?

Support for those with the greatest needs (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first guideline for organizations aiming to manage diversity effectively?

Clarify Your Motivation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase follows frustration in the cycle of diversity management?

Dormancy (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should organizations do to expand their focus on diversity?

Broaden it beyond race and gender (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which stream is NOT part of Kingdon's agenda-setting theory?

Psychological Stream (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger the opening of a policy window?

Emergence of urgent problems or crises (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline involves assessing an organization's culture for barriers to inclusion?

Audit Your Corporate Culture (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'Policy Window'?

The exact time when all three streams align for action (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which action should a leader take to ensure diversity programs benefit all employees?

Apply the Special Consideration Test (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Street-Level Bureaucracy

Street-level bureaucrats are public employees who interact directly with citizens, making daily decisions impacting people's lives.
They are crucial to government service delivery, offering a firsthand perspective on policy implementation.

Administrative Ethics

Administrative ethics applies moral principles to the conduct of officials within organizations.
Ethical principles include the concepts of rights and duties, alongside a disinterested perspective.
RA 6713 establishes a code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials.
The ethical duty of neutrality emphasizes carrying out directives without independent moral judgment.

Public Administrative Theory and Separation of Powers

Public administration is analyzed through management, law, and politics perspectives.
Understanding these three perspectives is essential to a holistic understanding of public administration.
Various key thinkers who have explored public administration include David H. Rosenbloom, Robert Parker, Frederick C. Mosher, Herbert Kaufman, and James Q. Wilson.
They agree that public administration lacks a strong theoretical foundation and is not solely a branch of management analysis.

Managerial Approach

Emphasizes clear roles and responsibilities within organizations.
Public administrators are selected based on merit.
Impersonal views are considered essential for maximizing efficiency.

Political Approach

Public administration is viewed as a political theory problem.
Administrative actions are intertwined with political considerations and popular control.
Wallace Sayre identifies public administration as a political problem, emphasizing its responsibility to popular control.

Legal Approach

Prioritizes individual rights in public administration.
Judicial decisions, centered on individual rights, guide public administration.
This approach analyzes the role of public personnel in promoting and safeguarding individual rights.

Affirmative Action's Limitations

Temporary solutions are not suitable for long-term issues.
Perception of meritocracy may create doubts about qualifications and equitable systems.
Affirmative action is intended to increase representation but can be limited in its long-term effects.

Information Technology and Democratic Governance

Information technology (IT) encompasses computers, storage, and networking.
These technologies have implications for democratic governance.
Greek terms "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power) highlight the importance of power held by the people.

Representative Bureaucracy

Samuel Krislov introduced the concept of representative bureaucracy.
This theory emphasizes how bureaucratic organizations should reflect the demographic composition of the population they serve in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and class.
Public servants should be representatives of and advocates for citizens' interests.

Policy Streams and Windows

John Kingdon proposed the theory of three streams (problem, policy, and political) that converge to form a policy window.
These streams allow for the emergence of new policies.
Policy windows open and close depending on political and environmental forces.

House Bill No. 4479

Strengthens anti-discrimination laws.
Specifically aims to prevent discrimination against women in employment.
Addresses the issue of representative bureaucracy and Black rights in the United States context.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to street-level bureaucracy, administrative ethics, and the separation of powers within public administration. It highlights the role of public employees in decision-making and the ethical standards that govern their conduct. Test your understanding of these fundamental principles that shape public service.