Approaches To Public Administration For Students

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Approaches to Public Administration Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Instructor Date Approaches to Public Administration Political, legal, and managerial are some of the commonly known approaches to public administration (Shafritz et al., 2022). Even though these approaches have an orientation of promoting separation of power in public administration, each approach comes with its own values, different organizational structure, and tradition (Shafritz et al., 2022).

Political Approach

The Political Approach is premised on the idea that political character and public accountability are key aspects that underpin the functions of the government. The proponents of this approach believe that public administration is a component of a political process, public policy making, and the role of bureaucracy (Shafritz et al., 2022).

It views public administration as inherently political, emphasizing values such as representation, accountability to the electorate, and responsiveness. Unlike the managerial approach, which focuses on efficiency through organizational and technical means, the political approach highlights the importance of reflecting societal diversity, competing forces, interests, and values within administrative structures (Shafritz et al., 2022). The approach promotes pluralism, allowing diverse societal groups to influence administrative decisions.

Legal Approach

The legal approach sees public administration as governed by law, emphasizing the application and enforcement of legal principles. It originates from constitutional law, judicial processes, and administrative law that clarify the responsibilities and liabilities of government officials and citizens (Hermus, van Buuren & Bekkers, 2020). This approach values fairness, procedural due process, and individual rights, prioritizing legal legitimacy and adherence to constitutional principles.

It advocates for an adjudicatory structure where independent administrative agencies exercise judicial functions, ensuring that administrative actions comply with legal standards and uphold civil rights. Unlike the political approach, which emphasizes societal interests, the legal approach emphasizes legality, fairness, and procedural correctness (Hermus et al., 2020).

Managerial Approach

The managerial approach aims to promote efficiency and effectiveness in public administration through management principles. It emphasizes hierarchical organizational structures, specialization, and merit-based personnel selection to achieve optimal performance (Shafritz et al., 2022). This approach is rooted in the belief that public administration should function akin to private sector management to improve service delivery.

It prioritizes values such as economy, efficiency, and effectiveness and minimizes political influence in managerial decisions. Despite differences from the legal and political approaches, it recognizes the role of bureaucracies and functional specialization as essential for administrative efficiency.

While the political approach emphasizes societal representation and the legal approach focuses on legal rights and procedures, the managerial approach centers on improving administrative performance through sound management practices (Shafritz et al., 2022).

Application of Biblical and Covenantal Models in Public Administration

The biblical or covenantal model of statesmanship introduces a moral and ethical dimension rooted in the teachings of the Bible. Leaders operating under this model view their authority as a divine trust, mandating responsibility, justice, and moral excellence. Leaders are called to act in accordance with God's commandments, emphasizing servant leadership, accountability, and the pursuit of the common good (Overeem & Bakker, 2019).

In practice, this approach encourages public officials to promote inclusive governance, uphold individual rights, and foster organizational cultures based on integrity and justice. Leaders influenced by covenantal principles prioritize moral responsibility and transparency, aligning their leadership actions with divine principles that advocate for the moral welfare of society (Overeem & Bakker, 2019).

This moral framework influences organizational behavior by inspiring leaders to craft visions grounded in justice and ethical conduct. It emphasizes that leadership should serve God's purposes, promote righteousness, and ensure that organizational practices reflect these values. Such an approach fosters morally grounded public administration that aligns with spiritual beliefs and ethical standards.

Personal, Ethical Principles, and Biblical Perspectives

My guiding ethical principles in public administration include integrity, fairness, accountability, transparency, and service to others. These principles ensure that my conduct promotes trust and credibility within the community. I believe that ethical leadership requires consistency in decision-making, honesty, and respect for diverse perspectives. These principles are vital in fostering a culture of dependability and moral responsibility.

There is a distinction between personal ethics and public administration ethics. Personal ethics are rooted in individual moral beliefs, values, and religious or philosophical standards, whereas public administration ethics are shaped by professional codes, legal frameworks, and societal expectations. While personal ethics influence one's behavior, public administration ethics focus on standards guiding conduct in public service to promote the greater good and uphold societal trust.

The Bible offers profound insights into ethical principles. It advocates for justice, humility, service, honesty, and moral integrity. Verses such as Micah 6:8 emphasize acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Leaders are called to serve others selflessly (Mark 10:45), demonstrate honesty (Proverbs 12:22), and act justly (Leviticus 19:15). Biblical principles support the view that ethical conduct in public service must be rooted in divine morality, emphasizing service, justice, and integrity as guiding standards.

Conclusion

Understanding the diverse approaches to public administration—political, legal, and managerial—provides a comprehensive framework for effective governance. Integrating biblical and covenantal principles further enhances ethical standards, reinforcing the moral responsibilities of public leaders. Personal ethics, grounded in integrity and service, complement these frameworks, ensuring that public administration remains accountable, just, and aligned with higher moral principles. Leaders who embody these values can foster trust, promote social cohesion, and serve the public good effectively in a complex and pluralistic society.

References

• Hermus, M., van Buuren, A., & Bekkers, V. (2020). Applying design in public administration: a literature review to explore the state of the art. Policy & Politics, 48(1), 21-48.
• Overeem, P., & Bakker, F. E. (2019). Statesmanship beyond the modern state. Perspectives on Political Science, 48(1), 46-55.
• Shafritz, J. M., Russell, E. W., Borick, C. P., & Hyde, A. C. (2022). Introducing public administration. Routledge.
• Osborne, D., & Gaebler, T. (1992). Reinventing government: How the entrepreneurial spirit is transforming the public sector. Addison-Wesley.
• Frederickson, H. G. (2005). The public administration theory primer. Westview Press.
• Kaufman, H. (1960). The forest ranger: A study in administrative behavior. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Meier, K. J., & O’Toole, L. J. (2013). Bureaucracy in a democracy: An interpretive approach. Routledge.
• Perry, J. L., & Wise, L. R. (1990). The motivational bases of public service. Public Administration Review, 50(3), 367-373.
• Wilson, W. (1887). The study of administration. Political Science Quarterly, 2(2), 197-222.
• Hijal-Moghrabi, I., & Sabharwal, M. (2018). Ethics in American Public Administration: A Response to a Changing Reality. Public Administration Review, 78(4), 524-533.