CHANGING NATURE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Phase I - 1887-1926

INTRODUCTION

Public Administration as an activity as old as human civilization. But as a social science theorization on public administration is very recent. In 1887, Woodrow Wilson has written the book on “The Study of Public Administration”, and laid the foundation of the science of Public Administration. After that it had underwent rapid transformation in its scope, nature and role. Avasthi and Maheshwari have divided the evolution of Public Administration into the following five phases.

Changing nature:-

It is divided into five phases.

Phase I - 1887-1926:-

About the changing nature of Public Administration, in this phase following changes came out -

1)      Separation of Public Administration from political science

2)      Public Administration is the visible side of Government.

3)      Prof. Woodrow Wilson has given definition, nature, role and importance of Public Administration.

4)      L. D. White has written the first textbook on the subject i.e. ‘Introduction to the study of Public Administration.’

Prof. Woodrow Wilson is called the ‘Father of Public Administration’ because the genesis of the subject can be traced back to Wilson’s book “The study of Public Administration” published in 1887. In this book he made a distraction between political - Science and Public Administration. Before this, it was treated as a branch of political science. Secondly, while commenting on the role of Public Administration, he said Administration is the most obvious part of government. It is government in action and the most visible side of the government. Hence, he defined “Public Administration as detailed and systematic application of law. It consists of all those operations having for their purpose the enforcement of public policy as declared by authority.” He argued for a science of administration “Which shall seek to straighten the paths of government.” Thus,

Wilson had projected the dichotomy view, which was picked up by other writers.

In 1900, Frank J. Goodnow published his book “Politics and Administration”. In his book he developed the wilsonian theme. He argued that “Politics and administration were two distinct functions of a government.” According to him politics formulate the policies and administration executes these policies. Thus, Goodnow made a technical distinction between politics and administration.

In 1926, L. D. While published the first text-book on the subject. This book reflects the theme of dichotomy between politics and administration. He emphasized that politics and administration are to be kept separate. He also visualized involvement of administration in policy matters and through policy with politics.

Conclusion -

It may be seen that the dominant feature of the first period was a passionate belief in politics - administration dichotomy.