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The traditional model of public administration emerged as a response to the need for a more professional approach to governance.
The traditional model of public administration emerged as a response to the need for a more professional approach to governance.
True
Under the traditional model, public administration was solely based on personal relationships rather than merit.
Under the traditional model, public administration was solely based on personal relationships rather than merit.
False
Civil servants in the traditional model prioritized personal interests over the public interest.
Civil servants in the traditional model prioritized personal interests over the public interest.
False
The Northcote–Trevelyan Report in the UK contributed to the decline of merit-based appointments.
The Northcote–Trevelyan Report in the UK contributed to the decline of merit-based appointments.
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The Roman Empire is an example of a civilization that did not rely on administrative structures.
The Roman Empire is an example of a civilization that did not rely on administrative structures.
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The Pendleton Act of 1883 aimed to reduce corruption in the US civil service.
The Pendleton Act of 1883 aimed to reduce corruption in the US civil service.
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The traditional model of public administration involves strict hierarchies and political control.
The traditional model of public administration involves strict hierarchies and political control.
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Ancient civilizations like Egypt and China did not develop any administrative systems.
Ancient civilizations like Egypt and China did not develop any administrative systems.
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Bureaucracies are considered more efficient than markets in resource allocation.
Bureaucracies are considered more efficient than markets in resource allocation.
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The traditional model of public administration is based on informal networks.
The traditional model of public administration is based on informal networks.
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Public choice theory recognizes the inadequacies of traditional public administration.
Public choice theory recognizes the inadequacies of traditional public administration.
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Formal hierarchies are still seen as the most effective structure in modern governance.
Formal hierarchies are still seen as the most effective structure in modern governance.
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Bureaucrats are assumed to prioritize budget maximization over personal utility.
Bureaucrats are assumed to prioritize budget maximization over personal utility.
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The shift towards new paradigms in public administration emphasizes accountability.
The shift towards new paradigms in public administration emphasizes accountability.
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The Public Choice Critique gained influence during the Nixon and Carter administrations.
The Public Choice Critique gained influence during the Nixon and Carter administrations.
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Traditional public administration models are still considered adequate for analyzing contemporary governance.
Traditional public administration models are still considered adequate for analyzing contemporary governance.
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Scientific management emphasizes social interactions and interpersonal relationships at work.
Scientific management emphasizes social interactions and interpersonal relationships at work.
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Elton Mayo conducted the Hawthorne experiments during the 1930s, which revealed the importance of social work groups for productivity.
Elton Mayo conducted the Hawthorne experiments during the 1930s, which revealed the importance of social work groups for productivity.
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The integration of scientific management with politics and administration occurred primarily in the 1940s.
The integration of scientific management with politics and administration occurred primarily in the 1940s.
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Human relations theory suggests that financial incentives are the only drivers of worker productivity.
Human relations theory suggests that financial incentives are the only drivers of worker productivity.
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The application of human relations theory in public administration has been criticized for suggesting workers are treated too well.
The application of human relations theory in public administration has been criticized for suggesting workers are treated too well.
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Woodrow Wilson argued that politicians should focus on executing policies efficiently.
Woodrow Wilson argued that politicians should focus on executing policies efficiently.
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Max Weber emphasized the importance of a politically biased public service.
Max Weber emphasized the importance of a politically biased public service.
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Both scientific management and human relations theory aim to increase productivity through contrasting means.
Both scientific management and human relations theory aim to increase productivity through contrasting means.
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Frederick Taylor's principles of scientific management were implemented to improve service delivery in government agencies.
Frederick Taylor's principles of scientific management were implemented to improve service delivery in government agencies.
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Mayo's work led to the development of participative management styles and job enrichment techniques.
Mayo's work led to the development of participative management styles and job enrichment techniques.
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Scientific management is synonymous with human relations theory and does not conflict with it.
Scientific management is synonymous with human relations theory and does not conflict with it.
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The traditional model of public administration is currently facing criticism for its high flexibility.
The traditional model of public administration is currently facing criticism for its high flexibility.
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Weber identified charismatic authority as the most efficient type of authority.
Weber identified charismatic authority as the most efficient type of authority.
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Weber's principles of bureaucracy include management based on unwritten documents.
Weber's principles of bureaucracy include management based on unwritten documents.
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The politics/administration dichotomy is widely accepted as completely practical in governance.
The politics/administration dichotomy is widely accepted as completely practical in governance.
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Frederick Winslow Taylor is known for establishing the traditional model of administration.
Frederick Winslow Taylor is known for establishing the traditional model of administration.
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Fixed jurisdictional areas are one of Weber's six principles of bureaucracy.
Fixed jurisdictional areas are one of Weber's six principles of bureaucracy.
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The traditional model of public administration has been completely replaced by modern approaches.
The traditional model of public administration has been completely replaced by modern approaches.
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Bureaucracy is viewed as a permanent and neutral instrument of power according to the traditional model of administration.
Bureaucracy is viewed as a permanent and neutral instrument of power according to the traditional model of administration.
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Merit appointments in administration were promoted by the Northcote–Trevelyan report.
Merit appointments in administration were promoted by the Northcote–Trevelyan report.
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Taylor's scientific management principles were introduced to complicate the bureaucratic structure.
Taylor's scientific management principles were introduced to complicate the bureaucratic structure.
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Wilson's control over political aspects of administration is a key feature of the traditional model.
Wilson's control over political aspects of administration is a key feature of the traditional model.
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The politics/administration dichotomy is considered a myth by some critics.
The politics/administration dichotomy is considered a myth by some critics.
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The traditional model of administration has a well-defined systematic approach to making organizations work efficiently.
The traditional model of administration has a well-defined systematic approach to making organizations work efficiently.
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Taylor's scientific management emphasized the importance of social context and worker relationships.
Taylor's scientific management emphasized the importance of social context and worker relationships.
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The Golden Age of Public Administration is considered to have taken place from around 1920 to the early 1970s.
The Golden Age of Public Administration is considered to have taken place from around 1920 to the early 1970s.
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POSDCORB refers to principles that emphasize a hierarchical approach to public administration.
POSDCORB refers to principles that emphasize a hierarchical approach to public administration.
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Criticisms of the traditional model of public administration highlighted its rigidity and inability to adapt to evolving societal needs.
Criticisms of the traditional model of public administration highlighted its rigidity and inability to adapt to evolving societal needs.
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Bureaucracy was ideal for fostering innovation and efficiency in public administration.
Bureaucracy was ideal for fostering innovation and efficiency in public administration.
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The relationship between government and administration is strictly linear and easily defined.
The relationship between government and administration is strictly linear and easily defined.
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The human relations movement challenged the traditional model of administration.
The human relations movement challenged the traditional model of administration.
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Political control in the traditional model effectively ensured accountability in public administration.
Political control in the traditional model effectively ensured accountability in public administration.
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Study Notes
Chapter 2: The Traditional Model of Public Administration
- The traditional model of public administration emerged as a reform movement in response to the need for a more professional approach to governance.
- Initially, a shift from amateur administration to a merit-based public service was observed in the 19th century.
- The traditional model is characterized by political control, a hierarchical structure, and meritocratic appointments.
- Civil servants adhere strictly to established laws and precedents, prioritizing the public interest over personal or political interests.
- Earlier administrative systems, such as those in ancient Egypt and China, evolved alongside the concept of governance.
- The Roman Empire was an example of a civilization with a sophisticated bureaucracy to manage vast territories.
- The Northcote-Trevelyan Report in the UK marked a significant shift towards merit-based appointments and a decline in patronage.
- This was impactful as the UK's reforms influenced the US Civil Service Act of 1883.
- Influenced by the UK, the US instituted competitive examinations and bipartisan oversight for civil service positions to alleviate corruption.
Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy
- Weber's theory of bureaucracy is a cornerstone of the traditional model.
- It emphasizes rational/legal authority and organizational efficiency.
- Weber identified three types of authority: charismatic, traditional, and rational/legal.
- Rational/legal authority is viewed as the most efficient and rational form.
- Weber outlined six principles for modern bureaucratic systems:
- Fixed jurisdictional areas
- Office hierarchy and graded authority
- Management based on written documents
- Thorough and expert training for officials
- Full-time engagement in official duties
- Management according to stable and learnable rules
- Weber's theory profoundly influenced public administration, notably through practices like merit-based appointments and impartial service.
- The role of officials in Weberian systems is critical for maintaining bureaucratic integrity and effectiveness.
- Officials are appointed by superiors, and receive fixed salaries based on status and service length.
- Positions are typically held for life with legal protection from arbitrary dismissal.
- This arrangement ensures professionalism, stability, and impartiality in the execution of bureaucratic duties.
Wilson's Principle of Separation in Public Administration
- Woodrow Wilson advocated for a clear separation of politics and administration.
- He emphasized the need to differentiate between policy-making and administrative tasks.
- Wilson argued that administration should focus on the detailed execution of public law, outside the sphere of politics.
- He highlighted the dangers of linking administrative questions with political ones, particularly the spoils system, leading to corruption and arbitrary decisions.
- Wilson's principle aimed to create a distinct sphere for administrative development free from political interference, thus creating an objective, unbiased structure.
- Key points of political control within traditional administration, according to Wilson:
- Clear relationship of accountability and responsibility, with public servants accountable to the cabinet and the people.
- Strict separation between policy (politicians) and administration (public service).
- Presumption of anonymity and neutrality in the administration, with public servants serving any political leader impartially.
- The separation of politics and administration faced challenges as politicians frequently overlapped in roles with administrators.
- The division was viewed as a myth as politicians often performed administrative duties and vice versa.
Traditional Model of Administration and Taylor's Scientific Management
- The traditional model, developed by the 1920s, emphasized bureaucracy as a neutral instrument of power separate from policy and politics.
- It relied heavily on Weber’s principles and Wilson's concept of political control. Merit-based appointments were also advocated.
- Despite a sound theoretical foundation, the model lacked a systematic approach toward efficient organization.
- Frederick Winslow Taylor introduced scientific management principles to enhance efficiency and organization within the bureaucratic structure.
Human Relations Theory
- Human relations theory contrasts with scientific management by emphasizing the social context and worker relationships in the workplace.
- It moved away from solely focusing on financial incentives to considering interpersonal relationships and social interactions.
- Elton Mayo, considered a founder of human relations theory, conducted experiments (notably the Hawthorne experiments) to demonstrate the importance of social work groups in productivity.
- He observed the fundamental importance of interpersonal relationships and social factors in improving workplace performance.
- Application to public administration and debates over managerialism and organizational performance ensued.
- Critiques suggest that workers are treated well, and this approach contributes to organizational effectiveness.
A continuing debate/Scientific Management vs. Human Relations
- The ongoing debate between scientific management (Taylor) and human relations (Mayo) theories does not view them as mutually exclusive.
- Both Taylor and Mayo aimed for increased productivity; however, they employed contrasting methods.
- Taylor prioritized standardization of work and process controls, while Mayo emphasized the importance of social context and worker relationships.
- Despite the differences, both theories influenced public sector management practices and remain important in shaping current administrative strategies.
Problem with traditional model (Overview of traditional model, weaknesses in implementing the model)
- Traditional management structures that were predominant in the 1970s-80s were criticized for being inflexible and inefficient, particularly in terms of outputs compared to inputs.
- The traditional model was seen as ideal for control but hindered innovation.
- It was a slow-moving model, lacking genuine accountability, leading to criticism and inefficiencies.
- A key issue was unrealistic separation of politics and administration, as they are inherently complex and intertwined.
- A further weakness was insufficient attention to adapting to wider societal changes like technological advancements and globalization.
- The assumption of a single best way for governance obstructed flexibility and innovation.
- Inefficiency, risk aversion, lack of accountability, secrecy, rigidity, and hierarchy also contributed to the model’s shortcomings in a changing environment.
- Traditional bureaucracy's inadequacy in the 21st century was highlighted.
The Public Choice Critique
- The Public Choice critique challenged the traditional model.
- Public choice theorists emphasized the influence of market economists (like Hayek and Friedman).
- Their arguments led to policies focused on reducing government size and bureaucracy, arguing it hampered individual freedom and market processes.
- Public choice theory applies microeconomic principles to political and social areas. The emphasis is on rational actors maximizing personal utility/individual benefits while minimizing costs.
- Core Assumptions of Rational Choice: well-formed preferences; transitive preference orderings; maximization of benefits net of costs; egoistic and self-regarding behavior.
- Application to bureaucracies involved understanding that bureaucracy aims to maximize personal utility, leading to budget maximization and potential office politics as influences on bureaucratic decision-making.
Conclusion - The Evolving Paradigm of Public Administration
- Traditional model of public administration, though once influential, faced obsolescence.
- It was developed for an earlier industrial age and struggled to adapt to changing societal landscapes.
- Contemporary approaches emphasized adaptability, responsiveness, and balancing efficiency with accountability and freedom.
- Traditional bureaucratic models are being superseded, replaced with new paradigms stressing effectiveness, accountability, and management.
- A shift towards considering factors like public well-being, innovation, and an ever-changing landscape of governance is recommended.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
- A need for a new model in public administration is highlighted.
- Emphasis on adaptability and responsiveness and balancing efficiency with accountability and freedom are emphasized.
- Traditional bureaucratic forms are being superseded.
- Efforts aimed at improving effectiveness in accountability and management are key to future public administration.
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Description
Explore the traditional model of public administration, its origins, limitations, and impact on modern governance. This quiz covers historical reports, legislative acts, and comparisons with ancient administrative systems. Test your knowledge on how these elements shape public administration today.
