Lesson 1: Introduction to Public Administration in the Philippines PDF

LESSON 1  INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATI ON IN THE PHILIPPINES  REFERENCE ARTICLE: ▪ THE STUDY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN PERSPECTIVE: A PASSING REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISCIPLINE By Danilo Re...

LESSON 1  INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATI ON IN THE PHILIPPINES  REFERENCE ARTICLE: ▪ THE STUDY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN PERSPECTIVE: A PASSING REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISCIPLINE By Danilo Reyes  A. Confusion on Public Administration: ▪ The Scholars of the distinct and separate field of study called public administration fail to establish the focal point where said discipline would revolve around. ▪ Compare this to other discipline in Arts and Social Sciences: such as but not limited to (1) International Relations and the difficulty to determine what subject matters contribute greatly on academic works that help understand the field. Thus, resulting to the use of varied levels of analysis in an attempt to filter down means and ways of understanding International Relations as a field that studies International System.  ▪ In the distinct field of International Relations as a social science study, it utilizes three levels of analysis to understand phenomenon that happen in the International System: (1) Individual Level of Analysis, (2) National Sub-system Level of Analysis, and (3) International System or Systemic.  In relation to Public Administration, the problem encountered in International relations and its difficulty establishing a focus- as whether it will study international organizations, states, nations, governments, local government units, or individuals – is exactly the same problem encountered in Public Administration.  In another distinct field of Study of Social Sciences called Political Science, the conflict lies with the supposed interchangeable and overlapping subject matters between Political Science and Public Administration. For instance, Political Science deals with democracy, governments, governance, legitimacy rules and policies, rules and authorities, and institutions and organizations. Consequently, public administration also deals with these subject matters: democracy, governments, governance, legitimacy of rules and policies, rulers and authorities, and institutions and organizations.  Question: How then do we distinguish public administration, as a separate and distinct discipline from all other disciplines in arts and social sciences? Let’s have an understanding that many scholars suggested that what makes public administration different from other disciplines under Social Sciences is the aim of improving components such as policies, institutions, and programs that directly or indirectly affect the public. It tries to understand public policies, institutions, and programs for better administration.  B. The Challenges to the Study of Public Administration in the United States: Tocqueville’s Contributions First Challenge on Studying Public Administration as a Science: Tocqueville Point 1: Earliest Attempt to Study Public Administration was in the Year 1831 by the person named Kuya Alexis-Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville who was a French Magistrate Question 1: What is a French Magistrate? Question 2: Why, then, is Tocqueville important in the discussion of public administration?  As I mentioned, Tocqueville was the earliest possible account of the study of public administration. Dating back as early as 1831. His initial intention was primarily to learn or study about the American Penal System: Tocqueville noted that the American penal system was distinctive in its focus on rehabilitation and moral reform. He observed that the American penal institutions aimed not only to punish but also to reform and rehabilitate prisoners. This contrasted with the more punitive and less reform-oriented systems in other countries of his time.  However, alongside his attempt to study about the American Penal System, he was also able to author a two-volume book on Public Administration entitled Democracy in America which was highly and well received by the readers during his time.  And it is through these authorships that he liberally criticized how “American Public Administration” was NOT taken seriously as a science or a field of study. ▪ Public Administration is not taken seriously. ▪ There was little lasting content to public administrative ideas in the United States. ▪ Public Administration in America was oral and tradition: there was little commitment to writing on Public Administration as a science.  When Alexis de Tocqueville remarked that the development of a more refined science of administration was "a major continental European preoccupation" but seemed neglected in America, he was highlighting a contrast between European and American approaches to public administration.  Here’s what he meant: ▪ Continental European Preoccupation: In 19th-century Europe, there was a significant focus on developing sophisticated theories and systems for public administration. European countries were concerned with creating more structured, efficient, and bureaucratic methods for managing government functions. This involved detailed studies and theories about the organization, processes, and efficiency of administration, reflecting a more academic and systematic approach to governance. ▪ Examples: Civil Service Examinations for positions in the Government (Kingdom of Prussia), Merit-based System of Civil Service Examinations (British), Centralization of Administrative Functions for a unified Government  ▪ Neglect in America: Tocqueville observed that, in contrast, Americans did not place the same emphasis on developing elaborate theories or systems of administration. Instead, American public administration was more practical and focused on local governance and pragmatic problem-solving. The emphasis was on direct democratic participation and local self- government, rather than on creating complex administrative theories or bureaucratic structures. ▪ Essentially, Tocqueville was pointing out that while European countries were deeply engaged in refining administrative science and theory, America was more focused on practical governance and democratic participation, often without the same level of theoretical development. This difference reflected broader cultural and institutional contrasts between Europe and the United States during that period. ▪ Pragmatic problem-solving refers to a practical, results- oriented approach to addressing issues or challenges. It focuses on finding solutions that work in the real world rather than being guided by theoretical models or abstract principles. ▪ Example: In the early 19th century, many American towns were experiencing rapid growth due to westward expansion and increasing population. One common challenge for local governments was managing and improving infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings, which were essential for the town’s development and daily functioning.  C. The Progressive Movement Question: What was the Status Quo of the United States of America by the time Tocqueville had published Democracy in America?  WHAT INSPIRED PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT? President Washington (1789-1797) and his successors: sought the selection and appointments of personnel in the Federal Government on the basis of qualifications and merits. However, it was highly influence by patronage system due to political leanings of appointees and had resulted selecting and appointing only from the upper class.  WHAT INSPIRED PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT? President Andrew Jackson (1829-1837): characterized by increasing democratization in America, which witnessed a period of widening voting and other rights to more and more people. However, the spirit of democratization also affected management system of the American Government which led President to advocate the democratization of jobs in the public service and open them up to all segments of society.  WHAT INSPIRED PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT? President James Garfield (1881-1881): was assassinated by one Charles J. Guiteau who failed to secure an appointment for consulship in Paris. He had hoped to have been appointed because he was a supporter of the party in power. This was another manifestation of patronage system.  THE ASSASINATION INVITED ATTENTION TO THE CAUSE OF WHAT IS NOW KNOWN AS THE PROFRESSIVE MOVEMENT. IT WAS BECAUSE OF THIS THAT REFORMS IN CIVIL SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WERE MADE.  PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT ▪ -Professionalization of the Civil Service ▪ -Pendleton Act of 1883 (merit system now embedded in the law for civil service) ▪ -Progressive Movement, finally, brought to light the need and call for a serious study of the Science of Administration.  It inspired the authorship of Woodrow Wilson, who later became a president in 1913, entitled Political Science Quarterly where he said “the field of administration is a field of business. It is removed from the hurry and strife of politics.