Public Administration

Course Type	Course Code	No. Of Credits
Discipline Core	NSUS1PO609	4

Course Coordinator and Team: SES Faculty

Email of course coordinator: pcbabed@aud.ac.in

Pre-requisites: No

Course Description: This course introduces public administration, examining its historical roots, classical and contemporary theories, and recent trends such as feminism, ecological conservation, and democratization. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern administrative developments.

Course Objectives:

To introduce students to the field of public administration.
To familiarize students with classical and contemporary administrative theories.
To develop critical thinking skills for analysing administrative systems and practices.

Course Outcomes:

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of foundational and contemporary administrative theories.
Critically analyse emerging trends in public administration, including feminist perspectives, ecological sustainability, and the influence of democratization on administrative systems.
Apply theoretical frameworks to assess and address real-world administrative challenges, reforms, and policy outcomes.
Develop effective strategies for ethical decision-making and leadership within diverse and dynamic public sector environments.

Module 1: Introduction
This module introduces students to the field of Public Administration, highlighting its meaning, nature, scope, and significance. It traces the historical development of the discipline and explores how it has evolved over time. A key part of this module is distinguishing between public and private administration, providing students with foundational knowledge essential for further study.

Module 2: Theories
This module delves into the key theories that have shaped public administration over time. Students will explore both historical and contemporary perspectives to better understand the functioning and complexities of public organizations. The module introduces foundational theories such as Scientific Management (F.W. Taylor), Ideal-type Bureaucracy (Max Weber), Human Relations Theory (Elton Mayo), Rational Decision-Making (Herbert Simon), and the Ecological Approach (Fred Riggs), helping students grasp the diverse theoretical underpinnings of the field.

Module 3: Major Approaches
In this module, students will explore the major approaches to public administration, including both traditional and modern perspectives. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis and understanding how these approaches inform governance and policy-making. The module covers New Public Administration, Good Governance, and Feminist Perspectives, offering a broad and inclusive view of public administration practices.

Module 4: Public Policy
This module focuses on the study and practice of public policy, guiding students through the processes of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. It emphasizes the relevance of public policy in addressing societal issues and explores different approaches and actors involved in policy making. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical tools for analysing and engaging with public policy.

Module 5: Emerging Trends
This module addresses contemporary developments and innovations in public administration. It examines how the field is adapting to global and societal changes, such as globalization, digital governance, and sustainability. Students will explore the challenges and opportunities these emerging trends present, preparing them to think critically and creatively about the future of public administration.

Assessment Plan

Assessment	Weightage
Assignment 1: Engagement with the educational resources. This involves in-class quizzes and short response notes	30%
Assignment 2: assignments and/or presentations	30%
Assignment 3: End-term assessment	40%

References

N. Henry, Public Administration and Public Affairs, 12th edition. New Jersey: Pearson,2013
M. Bhattacharya, Restructuring Public Administration: A New Look, New Delhi: Jawahar Publishers, 2012
M. Bhattacharya, New Horizons of Public Administration, New Delhi: Jawahar Publishers, 201
F. Taylor, ‘Scientific Management’, in J. Shafritz, and A. Hyde, (eds.) Classics of Public Administration, 5th Edition. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2004
P. Mouzelis, ‘The Ideal Type of Bureaucracy’ in B. Chakrabarty, And M. Bhattacharya, (eds), Public Administration: A Reader, New Delhi: Oxford University Press,2003.
B. Miner, ‘Elton Mayo and Hawthrone’, in Organisational Behaviour 3: Historical Origins and the Future. New York: M.E. Sharpe, 2006
Fredrickson and Smith, ‘Decision Theory’, in The Public Administration Theory Primer. Cambridge: Westview Press, 2003
R. Arora, ‘Riggs’ Administrative Ecology’ in B. Chakrabarty and M. Bhattacharya (eds), Public Administration: A reader, New Delhi, Oxford University Press, 2003
M. Weber, ‘Bureaucracy’, in C. Mills, and H. Gerth, From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1946 Warren. G.Bennis, Beyond Bureaucracy, Mc Graw Hill, 1973
D. Gvishiani, Organisation and Management, Moscow: Progress Publishers, 1972
S. Maheshwari, Administrative Thinkers, New Delhi: Macmillan, 2009
F. Riggs, Administration in Developing Countries: The Theory of Prismatic Society. Boston: Houghton Miffin,1964
H. Frederickson, ‘Toward a New Public Administration’, in J. Shafritz, & A. Hyde, (eds.) Classics of Public Administration, 5th Edition, Belmont: Wadsworth, 2004
M. Bhattacharya, ‘Contextualizing Governance and Development’ in B. Chakrabarty and M. Bhattacharya, (eds.) The Governance Discourse. New Delhi: Oxford University Press,1998
The Oxford Handbook Of Public Policy, Oxford University Press, 2006
T. Dye, (1984) Understanding Public Policy, 5th Edition. U.S.A: Prentice Hall, pp. 1-44
Nicholas Henry, Public Administration and Public Affairs, Prentice Hall, 1999, Ch 10, Ch 11, Ch 12.
Drucker, Peter F (1993) Management: Tasks, responsibilities, Practices. Harper Collins: New York
Drucker, Peter F (2008) The Essential Drucker. Harper Collins: New York