DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMISTRATION, RUFUS GIWA

POLYTECHNIC, OWO.

AN ASSIGNMENT

PREPARE
GROUP A

OLAGBE OLUWAKEMISOLA
SUNDAY RODIYHAT
OLAWALE OLAMIDE
ZIBIRI BLESSING GOODNESS

COURSE TITLE: ELEMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

CODE: PAD 111
LEVEL: ND1 (PART TIME)

LECTURER IN CHARGE
MR. AKINMOLADUN ADEYEMI
1. Administration:

 Definition: Administration refers to the process of managing and

coordinating resources, people, and activities within an organization or
government. It encompasses decision-making, planning, organizing, and
implementing policies.
 Scholar Perspectives:
o Woodrow Wilson: Wilson, in his seminal essay “The Study of
Administration” (1887), advocated for a scientific approach to public
administration. He emphasized efficiency, specialization, and
separating politics from administration.
o Luther Gulick: Gulick introduced the concept of “POSDCORB”
(Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting,
and Budgeting) as essential administrative functions.
o Mary Parker Follett: Follett emphasized the importance of
collaboration, group dynamics, and human relations in administration.
She believed in shared authority and participatory decision-making.

2. Democracy:

 Definition: Democracy is a system of government where power resides with

the people. It involves citizen participation, protection of individual rights,
and accountability.
 Scholar Perspectives:
o Robert Dahl: Dahl highlighted three core elements of democracy:
individual sovereignty, equality among citizens, and democratic
norms. He emphasized that political sovereignty rests at the level of
the individual.
 o Joseph Schumpeter: Schumpeter’s “minimalist” view of democracy
focused on competitive elections. He considered democracy as a
method for selecting leaders rather than direct citizen participation.
o John Locke: Locke’s social contract theory influenced democratic
thought. He believed in natural rights, consent of the governed, and
limited government.

3. Constitution:

 Definition: A constitution is a fundamental legal document that outlines the

structure of government, the distribution of powers, and the rights of
citizens.
 Scholar Perspectives:
o James Madison: Madison, one of the framers of the U.S.
Constitution, emphasized the need for a strong central government
while protecting individual liberties. His contributions to the
Federalist Papers shaped constitutional debates.
o Charles de Montesquieu: Montesquieu advocated for the separation
of powers (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent tyranny. His
ideas influenced modern constitutional design.
o Hans Kelsen: Kelsen’s “pure theory of law” emphasized the
hierarchical nature of legal norms. He viewed the constitution as the
supreme norm, guiding all other laws.

4. Public Administration:
  Definition: Public administration involves managing public resources,
implementing policies, and providing public services. It bridges the gap
between political decisions and practical implementation.
 Scholar Perspectives:
o Eugene McGregor: McGregor defined public administration as the
generation of purposive public action, balancing administrative
operations, democratic governance, and problem-solving.
o Herbert Simon: Simon emphasized decision-making processes,
bounded rationality, and administrative efficiency. His work
influenced organizational theory.
o Dwight Waldo: Waldo explored the “political-administrative
dichotomy,” emphasizing the need for a balance between political
leadership and administrative expertise.

5. Government:

 Definition: Government refers to the formal institutions, structures, and

processes through which a society exercises political authority and makes
collective decisions.
 Scholar Perspectives:
o John Locke: Locke viewed government as a social contract between
citizens and rulers. He believed in limited government and the
protection of natural rights.
o Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes argued for a strong, centralized government
to prevent chaos. His work influenced the concept of the Leviathan.
o Max Weber: Weber’s theory of bureaucracy highlighted the role of
rational-legal authority in modern government. He emphasized
efficiency, hierarchy, and specialization.
In summary, these concepts shape our understanding of governance, citizenship,
and societal order. Each scholar’s perspective contributes to the rich tapestry of
political thought.

2. Justify the idea of luther Gullicks function of administration.

Luther Gulick, a prominent figure in the field of public administration, is often

hailed as the “Dean of American Public Administration.” His insights have
significantly shaped the way we understand administrative functions. Let’s delve
into his ideas:

i. POSDCORB: In the 1930s, Gulick introduced the POSDCORB acronym to

delineate the essential functions of management within an administrative
context:
o Planning: This involves setting goals, formulating strategies, and
outlining the steps needed to achieve them.
o Organizing: The process of structuring resources, tasks, and
responsibilities to ensure efficient functioning.
o Staffing: Selecting, training, and managing personnel to fill various
roles.
o Directing: Guiding and supervising employees to carry out their tasks
effectively.
o Coordinating: Ensuring harmonious collaboration among different
units or departments.
o Reporting: Providing information, feedback, and updates to relevant
stakeholders.
o Budgeting: Managing financial resources and allocating funds
appropriately.
 ii. Administration and Government: Gulick emphasized that administration
cannot be separated from government. It is impractical and impossible to
isolate administrative functions from the broader context of governance.
Administrators play a crucial role in implementing policies, designing
programs, allocating finances, coordinating efforts, and even participating in
governmental auditing processes123.

In summary, Luther Gulick’s contributions have significantly influenced the field

of public administration, and his POSDCORB framework remains a cornerstone
in understanding managerial functions within organizations.