Development of Public Administration

Public administration is the implementation of government policy and also an academic discipline that studies this implementation and prepares civil servants for working in the public service. Modern public administration has its roots in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when many countries were undergoing significant changes in their political systems, economic structures, and societal expectations.

The development of public administration can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, and India, where governments employed officials to manage the affairs of the state. However, it was not until the modern era that public administration emerged as a distinct field of study.

One of the earliest influential works in the field was "The Study of Administration," an essay written by Woodrow Wilson in 1887. In this essay, Wilson argued that the principles of scientific management should be applied to the field of public administration in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness. This idea had a significant impact on the development of public administration and led to the creation of the first academic programs in the field.

Since then, public administration has evolved and expanded to encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including policy analysis, budgeting, human resource management, and information technology. It also plays a key role in implementing policies and programs related to social welfare, education, healthcare, and other areas of public concern. 

There are several main theories that have influenced the development of the field of public administration:

1. The classical theory, also known as the "orthodox theory," emphasizes the importance of efficiency and economy in the administration of public affairs. It was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was influenced by the principles of scientific management.
2. The behavioral theory, also known as the "human relations approach," focuses on understanding and improving the interactions between individuals in the workplace. It emphasizes the importance of communication, motivation, and leadership in public administration.
3. The systems theory views organizations as complex systems that are composed of interrelated parts that work together to achieve a common goal. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships between the various parts of an organization and how they interact with the external environment.
4. The contingency theory suggests that the most effective approach to public administration depends on the specific context in which it is being applied. It emphasizes the importance of flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
5. The public choice theory applies economic principles to the study of public administration, viewing public officials and policymakers as rational actors who make decisions based on their own self-interest. It emphasizes the role of incentives and the importance of aligning the interests of policymakers with those of the public.

There are several modern theories about public administration that have been developed in recent years:

1. The New Public Management (NPM) theory emphasizes the importance of using private sector management techniques in the public sector. It advocates for the use of market-based mechanisms and performance-based accountability in the delivery of public services.
2. The network governance theory suggests that public organizations should be viewed as networks of interconnected actors, rather than as hierarchical structures. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among different levels of government and between public and private actors.
3. The post-bureaucratic theory critiques the traditional bureaucratic model of public administration, arguing that it is inflexible and inefficient. It advocates for the use of more flexible, decentralized structures that are better able to adapt to changing circumstances.
4. The governance theory focuses on the ways in which power is exercised and decisions are made within organizations and societies. It emphasizes the role of networks, relationships, and institutions in shaping the direction of public policy and the delivery of public services.
5. The public value theory focuses on the creation of value for the public through the actions of public sector organizations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and priorities of the public and designing policies and programs that address them effectively.

Here are a few additional theories that are related to public administration:

1. The public interest theory suggests that the primary role of public administration is to serve the public interest, rather than the interests of individual public officials or private organizations. It emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and transparency in the decision-making process.
2. The citizen participation theory suggests that the public should be actively involved in the decision-making process of public administration. It emphasizes the importance of giving citizens a voice in the policies and programs that affect their lives.
3. The public service motivation theory suggests that individuals who choose careers in the public sector are motivated by a desire to serve the public good, rather than by personal gain. It emphasizes the role of public service values in shaping the behavior of public officials.
4. The public policy implementation theory focuses on the ways in which public policies are put into practice and the factors that can influence their success or failure. It emphasizes the role of implementation strategies, stakeholder engagement, and accountability in the policy process.