2 Lecture

MGT111

Midterm & Final Term Short Notes

Evolution of Public Administration

The evolution of public administration refers to the development of administrative practices and structures over time, from ancient civilizations to modern times. It involves changes in the role of government, the relationship between the state


Important Mcq's
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
Past papers included

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  1. Which of the following is not considered an ancient civilization that contributed to the evolution of public administration? a. Greek b. Roman c. Chinese d. French

Answer: d. French

  1. Who is considered the father of scientific management and an early contributor to the evolution of public administration? a. Max Weber b. Frederick Taylor c. Woodrow Wilson d. Herbert Simon

Answer: b. Frederick Taylor

  1. Which era of public administration focused on the principles of efficiency and productivity? a. Progressive Era b. New Deal Era c. Post-World War II Era d. Digital Era

Answer: a. Progressive Era

  1. Which of the following is not one of the core principles of the New Public Management movement? a. Decentralization b. Accountability c. Privatization d. Bureaucratization

Answer: d. Bureaucratization

  1. Which of the following is not one of the key features of the Digital Era of public administration? a. E-government b. Open data c. Social media d. Max Weber's bureaucracy

Answer: d. Max Weber's bureaucracy

  1. Which of the following is not considered one of the three branches of government according to Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers? a. Legislative b. Executive c. Judicial d. Administrative

Answer: d. Administrative

  1. Which of the following is not one of the four functions of government according to the classic theory of public administration? a. Planning b. Organizing c. Directing d. Controlling

Answer: c. Directing

  1. Who is known for advocating for a more humanistic and participatory approach to public administration? a. Max Weber b. Mary Parker Follett c. Frederick Taylor d. Herbert Simon

Answer: b. Mary Parker Follett

  1. Which of the following is not a factor that influenced the evolution of public administration? a. Political factors b. Economic factors c. Technological factors d. Philosophical factors

Answer: d. Philosophical factors

  1. Who is considered the founder of the classical theory of public administration? a. Woodrow Wilson b. Max Weber c. Frederick Taylor d. Herbert Simon

Answer: a. Woodrow Wilson



Subjective Short Notes
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
Past papers included

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  1. What is the significance of ancient civilizations in the evolution of public administration?

Answer: Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese made significant contributions to the evolution of public administration. Their administrative practices and structures provided a foundation for future developments in public administration.

  1. What is the contribution of the Progressive Era to the evolution of public administration?

Answer: The Progressive Era introduced the principles of efficiency and productivity to public administration, focusing on scientific management and merit-based hiring. It also emphasized the need for greater accountability and transparency in government.

  1. What is the New Public Management movement?

Answer: The New Public Management movement is a set of reforms that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, aimed at introducing market-based principles to public administration. It emphasizes decentralization, accountability, and privatization.

  1. What is e-government?

Answer: E-government refers to the use of technology to deliver government services and information to citizens. It includes online portals, electronic forms, and other digital tools.

  1. Who is Mary Parker Follett and what is her contribution to public administration?

Answer: Mary Parker Follett was a management theorist who advocated for a more humanistic and participatory approach to public administration. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication in administrative decision-making.

  1. What is the classic theory of public administration?

Answer: The classic theory of public administration is based on the principles of hierarchical organization, specialization, and formal rules and procedures. It emphasizes the role of bureaucracy in ensuring efficient and effective government.

  1. What is the impact of technological advancements on the evolution of public administration?

Answer: Technological advancements have had a significant impact on the evolution of public administration, particularly in the Digital Era. They have facilitated greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in government services and information.

  1. What is the role of administrative theory in the evolution of public administration?

Answer: Administrative theory provides a framework for understanding the principles and practices of public administration. It has contributed to the development of new approaches and reforms in response to changing political, economic, and social conditions.

  1. What is the relationship between public administration and democracy?

Answer: Public administration plays a crucial role in democracy by providing the mechanisms and institutions for implementing public policies and ensuring accountability and transparency in government.

  1. How has globalization influenced the evolution of public administration?

Answer: Globalization has led to increased interdependence and complexity in public administration, requiring greater coordination and cooperation between national and international institutions. It has also facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices across borders.

The evolution of public administration can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and China, which established administrative practices and structures that provided the foundation for future developments in the field. During the medieval period, monarchs relied on a system of patronage and favors to govern, but this began to change with the emergence of the modern state. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Progressive Era introduced new principles of efficiency, productivity, and scientific management to public administration. This approach emphasized the need for merit-based hiring, professionalization, and greater accountability and transparency in government. In the mid-20th century, the classic theory of public administration emerged, which focused on hierarchical organization, specialization, and formal rules and procedures. This approach emphasized the importance of bureaucracy in ensuring efficient and effective government. In the 1980s and 1990s, the New Public Management movement introduced market-based principles to public administration, such as decentralization, accountability, and privatization. This approach aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services by applying business principles to government. In the Digital Era, technological advancements have facilitated greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in government services and information. The rise of e-government has transformed the way that citizens interact with government and has led to new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Administrative theory has played a crucial role in the evolution of public administration, providing a framework for understanding the principles and practices of government. Theories such as public choice, network governance, and new public service have emerged in response to changing political, economic, and social conditions. Globalization has also had a significant impact on the evolution of public administration, requiring greater coordination and cooperation between national and international institutions. This has led to new challenges and opportunities for public administrators, including the need to address global issues such as climate change and economic inequality. Overall, the evolution of public administration has been driven by a variety of factors, including changing political, economic, and social conditions, as well as advances in technology and administrative theory. As the world continues to change, the field of public administration will continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.