LESSON 1

Foundation courses are very important and very much needed because these will
introduce the field of public administration in a historical and contemporary context on
political, economic, social and ethical. Understanding these ideas will make the students
know where the public administration has been and where it will be going- the roles and
relationships of the government agencies, profit and non-profit, and the citizens.

1. What is Public Administration?

 Public administration is a vital component of modern governance,
ensuring the effective delivery of public services and the implementation
of government policies. As society continues to evolve, public
administrators will face new challenges and opportunities, requiring
them to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of citizens and
communities.
 Public administration is the implementation of government policies and
programs, typically by bureaucratic organizations. It involves the
coordination and management of public resources, the enforcement of
laws and regulations, and the delivery of public services to citizens.
Public administrators are responsible for ensuring that government
policies are effectively and efficiently implemented, and that the needs
and concerns of citizens are addressed in a fair and equitable manner.
 Public Administration is a dynamic organ of government which keeps on
responding to the requirements of the times.
 Other definitions:
Experts Definition
Woodrow A field of business which is removed from the hurry
Wilson and strife of politics and stands apart from the
debatable ground of constitutional study.
“The discipline of public administration is essentially
a detailed and systematic execution of law. Every
particular application of law is an act of
administration”
 Leonard White The management of men and materials in the
accomplishment of the purpose of the state. It
relates to the conduct of government business to
the conduct of the affairs of any social organization,
commercial, philanthropic, religious, or educational
in all of which good management is recognized as
an element essential to success.
Felix Nigro and A cooperative group effort in a public setting
Lloyd Nigro covering all the three branches- executive,
legislative and judicial- and their interrelationships
It has an important role in the formulation of public
policy and is thus part of the political process
It is different in significant ways from private
administration
It is closely associated with numerous private
groups and individuals in providing services to the
community.
It is also mentioned that separation of politics and
administration is not considered, instead, it focuses
on the role of politics in the process of administering
government.
Luther Gulick It is that part of science of administration which has
to do with the government and thus concerns itself
primarily with the executive branch where the work
of government is done.
Leonard D. It is concerned with action in particular concrete
White situations, but in accordance with long-range
objectives. It “consists of all those operations having
for their purpose the fulfillment of enforcement of
public policies as declared by the competent
authority.

2. Nature of Public Administration: Integral View and Managerial

View
 Integral View of Public Administration: It includes all the
persons from top to bottom who contributed in achieving the
goal. It includes not only managerial and technical but also
manual and clerical. The integral view of public administration
emphasizes the holistic approach to governance and the
interconnectedness of various components within the public
sector. This perspective views public administration as a
multidimensional field that involves not only the management of
resources and implementation of policies but also considers the
broader societal impact and ethical considerations. In this view,
public administrators are seen as stewards of public trust,
responsible for promoting the common good and ensuring
transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government
operations.

 Managerial View of Public Administration: The

administration has the function of planning, programming and
organizing activities. The works of only those persons who are
engaged in the performance of managerial functions in an
organization constitute administration. The managerial view of
public administration focuses more on the practical aspects of
running government agencies and organizations. This perspective
places a strong emphasis on efficiency, effectiveness, and
productivity in the delivery of public services. Managers in public
administration are expected to possess strong leadership and
organizational skills to ensure that resources are allocated
optimally, goals are achieved, and services are delivered in a cost-
effective manner.

 Differences between Integral View and Managerial View:

While both views share the goal of improving governance and
serving the public interest, they differ in their emphasis and
approach. The integral view takes a broader perspective,
considering the social, political, and ethical dimensions of public
 administration, while the managerial view is more focused on
operational efficiency and performance management. The
integral view highlights the importance of values, ethics, and
citizen engagement in decision-making processes, whereas the
managerial view prioritizes results-oriented approaches and
performance metrics.

In summary, the integral view of public administration emphasizes the

holistic and multidimensional nature of governance, while the
managerial view focuses on operational efficiency and performance
management within government agencies.

3. Importance of Public Administration

1. It gives a strong foundation The various instrumentalities if the
to the government government makes the
implementation of policies
possible. Without public
administration, the government
will be a failure.
2. It acts as an instrument of The plans made by the government
change and development will play a significant change
towards the life of people. These
programs will introduce more
developments in the economic and
social concerns in the society.
3. It provides basic services to Public administration touches the
people life of the people through the
delivery of services. This includes
education, social welfare, health,
agriculture and environment. It is
also as simple as the provision of
requested personal matters like
birth certificates, passports,
permits etc.
 4. It acts as an instrument for The implementation of the
the execution of policies and program is important to provide
programs the realization of the policies.
5. It acts as stabilizing force in Public administration provides for
the government the continuity of the government in
that even after the end of one
administration comes in.

4. Politics and Administration: Three Schools

THE -typically refers to the perspective known as the "Politics-

SEPARATION Administration Dichotomy.“
SCHOOL -believes that politics and administration should be kept
separate from each other. This school of thought argues that
the two fields have different goals, values, and methods, and
that they should not interfere with each other.

THE -this school of thought suggests that public administration is

POLITICAL inherently political and that administrators cannot completely
SCHOOL divorce themselves from the political context in which they
operate.
-believes that politics and administration are intertwined and
cannot be separated. This school of thought argues that
administrators should be politically aware and that politicians
should be knowledgeable about administration.

THE -refers to a perspective that recognizes the inherent

INTERACTION interaction and interdependence between politics and
SCHOOL administration in the process of governance.
-believes that politics and administration are interdependent
and that they should work together to achieve common goals.
This school of thought argues that administrators should be
involved in the political process and that politicians should be
involved in the administration process.
Activity Set 1.

1. After analyzing the different definitions of public administration, try

to come up with your own definition. In coming up with your
definition, consider the 3 main branches of the government. Feel free
to elaborate on these departments as you give your definition.

- Public Administration is the existence of the government that oversees the

public sevices, engages in activities such as planning, budgeting, and policy
implementation. This demonstrates a clear effort to manage public resources
and address the diverse needs of the community.
- In Executive branch, this is composed of President and Vice President, who are
elected by the power of the people and free to vote to serve the community in
six (6) years term. The President are authorized its cabinet members granted
by the Constitutions.
- In Legislative branch, it is the authorized personnel who creates law, power
vested in the Philippine Congress.
- In Judicial branch, holds the power to settle controversies involving rights that
are legally demandable and enforceable, it also determines whether or not has
been grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on
the part and instrumentality of the government.

2. Discuss briefly the Integral and Managerial View in public

administration.

- The two views of the nature of public administration, the integral and the
managerial its focuses differently. The integral view looks at the public
administration in its totality, considers it interdisciplinary, and strives to improve
the human condition. The managerial view takes a more specific approach to
methods, techniques, and skills in managing the affairs of government
effectively. But these two have in common an understanding that the essence
of public administration and it’s about policy implementation and government
management.
- For different reasons, it is essential to comprehend the essence and extent of
public governance. It explains clearly the main objectives and core activities of
public administration. It is also defining the scope limits the functions and
services falling within the purview of public affairs, it also evaluate the different
ideas, that defines the nature and scope of the government, the relationship
between the government and the society, reflection helps them to improve
the public service they provided. This clearly outlines the role of management
between public administration, business administration, and public policy.

3. Discuss the importance of public administration as applied to your

own experiences.

- Our barangay officials play a crucial role in decision-making, resource

allocation, and the implementation of various programs and services aimed at
improving the welfare of the residents. In my four (4) years serving in Barangay
Payatas, I witness all the development of our community, the good service
provided by our officials, their programs, projects, and health services and in
terms of education. The importance of Public administration has a big role in
shaping and maintaining a well-functioning society and it also helps in
preparing me to become effective and efficient leader and to become more
responsible in the future.