Points to Remember:
- Integral view of Public Administration emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of administration, including its political, managerial, and social dimensions.
- Key thinkers in Public Administration have varying perspectives on the nature and scope of the field.
Introduction:
The question asks to identify which among the given scholars â?? Luther Gulick, Thompson, L.D. White, and H. Simon â?? supported the integral view of Public Administration. The integral view contrasts with a more fragmented or mechanistic approach, which might focus solely on efficiency or specific managerial techniques. Understanding the nuances of each scholar’s contribution is crucial to answering this question correctly. The integral view sees public administration not as a purely technical field but as deeply intertwined with the political environment, societal values, and ethical considerations.
Body:
Understanding the Integral View: The integral view of Public Administration posits that the field is not simply a set of technical skills and procedures but a complex system encompassing political, managerial, and social dimensions. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these elements and the importance of considering their interplay in administrative practice. This holistic approach recognizes the influence of political context on administrative decisions and the impact of administrative actions on society.
Analyzing the Contributions of Each Scholar:
Luther Gulick: Gulick, known for his POSDCORB framework (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, Budgeting), is often associated with a more managerial and mechanistic approach to Public Administration. While his framework is crucial for organizational efficiency, it doesn’t explicitly encompass the broader political and social context emphasized by the integral view.
James Thompson: Thompson’s work on organizations and their environments highlights the importance of understanding the external context in which organizations operate. His focus on organizational adaptation and the interplay between internal structures and external pressures aligns more closely with the integral view than Gulick’s purely managerial focus.
L.D. White: L.D. White’s contributions to Public Administration emphasized the importance of both efficiency and democratic accountability. His work acknowledged the political context of administration, suggesting a more holistic perspective that aligns with the integral view.
Herbert Simon: Simon’s work on administrative behavior and decision-making, while influential, often focused on rationality and efficiency within organizations. While he acknowledged the limitations of perfect rationality, his primary focus wasn’t on the broader political and social context in the same way as proponents of the integral view.
Conclusion:
While several scholars contributed to a more nuanced understanding of Public Administration, James Thompson and L.D. White most closely align with the integral view. Thompson’s emphasis on organizational environments and adaptation and White’s focus on both efficiency and democratic accountability demonstrate a recognition of the interconnectedness of political, managerial, and social dimensions. Gulick and Simon, while highly influential, primarily focused on managerial aspects and rational decision-making, respectively, leaving out the broader contextual factors emphasized by the integral view. Therefore, the answer to the question depends on the specific interpretation of “integral view,” but based on the emphasis on interconnectedness, Thompson and White are the strongest candidates. A truly holistic approach to Public Administration requires continuous engagement with the political and social environment, ensuring ethical conduct and accountability to the public, ultimately promoting good governance and sustainable development.
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