Contemporary & Classical Theories of Public

Administration

Public administration theories have evolved over time, with classical theories laying the foundation and
contemporary theories reflecting changes in societal, political, and administrative contexts. Here's an overview of
classical and contemporary theories of public administration.

1. Classical Theories:

1. Scientific Management (Classical Management Theory):

- Key Thinkers: Frederick Taylor, Henri Fayol.

- Main Ideas:

- Emphasizes efficiency and productivity through systematic observation, measurement, and control
of work processes.

- Division of labor, standardization, and a hierarchical organizational structure are central concepts.

2. Administrative Management Theory:

- Key Thinker: Henri Fayol.

- Main Ideas:

- Focuses on administrative principles applicable to all organizations.

- Identifies key functions of management, including planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating,

and controlling.

3. Bureaucratic Theory:

- Key Thinker: Max Weber.

- Main Ideas:

- Emphasizes a formal, hierarchical structure with clear rules and procedures.

- Bureaucracies are characterized by specialization, merit-based appointments, and impersonal

relationships.
2. Contemporary Theories:

1. New Public Administration (NPA):

- Main Ideas:

- A reaction against the perceived shortcomings of traditional public administration.

- Emphasizes social equity, responsiveness, and citizen participation.

- Advocates for a more collaborative, human-centered, and accountable public administration.

2. New Public Management (NPM):

- Main Ideas:

- Applies private sector management techniques to the public sector.

- Emphasizes performance measurement, customer orientation, and results-oriented management.

- Encourages decentralization and competition.

3. Public Choice Theory:

- Main Ideas:

- Applies economic principles to the study of public administration.

- Assumes that individuals act in their self-interest, even when making decisions in the public sector.

- Emphasizes the role of incentives and competition in shaping government behavior.

4. Institutional Theory:

- Main Ideas:

- Examines the impact of formal and informal institutions on organizational behavior.

- Considers how organizations adapt to and are influenced by their institutional environments.

5. Postmodernist Perspectives:

- Main Ideas:

- Challenges the notion of a single "correct" way of organizing and managing.

- Emphasizes multiple perspectives, cultural influences, and the socially constructed nature of
organizations.
 6. Good Governance:

- Main Ideas:

- Focuses on principles and practices that contribute to effective, transparent, and accountable
governance.

- Emphasizes participation, rule of law, responsiveness, and strategic vision.

Accountable

Transparent Transparent

Strategic
Effective
Vision

Responsive Rule of Law

Participation

7. Network Governance:

- Main Ideas:

- Recognizes the interdependence of organizations and emphasizes collaboration and networks rather
than hierarchical structures.

- Reflects the increasing importance of partnerships and collaborations in addressing complex public
issues.

8. Digital Era Governance:

- Main Ideas:

- Focuses on the impact of technology on public administration.

- Emphasizes e-government, data-driven decision-making, and the use of digital tools to enhance
public service delivery.

These theories represent broad trends in the field of public administration. Scholars and practitioners often draw
from multiple theories to address the complex and dynamic challenges faced by public organizations in
contemporary society.