What Is Public Administration? Key Insights

Public administration refers to the coordination of government activities to ensure the effective delivery of services and the application of laws.

Since the dawn of society, the question of how people should live together and be governed has been central to every civilization. As communities grew, so did the need for organized systems to manage resources, create laws, and promote the public good. Essentially, this need led to the foundation of what we now call public administration.

But what is public administration? Well, to fully understand its significance, in addition to a public administration definition, we must also explore its types and the career opportunities it offers. This way, you can decide if it's a path you're interested in pursuing.

What Is Public Administration?

There are many definitions of public administration depending on the perspective of different scholars. For many, public administration refers to the implementation and management of government policies and programs. As noted by L.D. White, an American historian who specialized in public administration, public administration "consists of all those operations having for their purpose the fulfillment or enforcement of public policy as declared by competent authority." This definition focuses on the functional aspect of public administration.

From a broader view, public administration encompasses the coordination of human and material resources to achieve governmental objectives. J.M. Pfiffner defines it as "getting the work of government done by coordinating the efforts of people so that they can work together to accomplish their set tasks." This managerial focus highlights the role of public administrators in organizing and directing resources to meet public needs.

Another definition comes from Woodrow Wilson, who famously stated that "Public Administration is the detailed and systematic application of law." This reflects the legalistic view of public administration as an essential part of implementing the legal framework of a country. According to this approach, every action taken to apply laws or policies falls under the scope of public administration. It's precisely Wilson's article "The Study of Administration," published in 1887, that is considered by many as the start of public administration as a subject of study.

Types of Public Administration

Public administration can be classified into various types. Each type reflects a distinct method by which governments operate, implement laws, and provide services to citizens.

The primary types of public administration include:

Classical Public Administration

Classical public administration is rooted in the bureaucratic principles established by scholars like Max Weber, Woodrow Wilson, and Frederick Taylor. This approach dominated much of the 20th century and was considered the most effective way to manage public sector organizations.

The classical model focuses on a hierarchical structure where government administration is distinct from political leadership and is carried out by neutral, permanent civil servants who implement policies rather than make them.

Weber's theory of bureaucracy is central to classical public administration. His model emphasizes strict hierarchy, specialization, and rule-based operations, which are essential for maintaining order and efficiency in government functions. Bureaucrats in this system are appointed based on merit, possess clear roles, and follow a rigid chain of command.

Woodrow Wilson further advanced the classical model by advocating for the separation of politics and administration, known as the politics-administration dichotomy. He believed that administration should focus on the technical execution of public policy, leaving political decisions to elected officials.

Similarly, Frederick Taylor's principles of scientific management, emphasizing efficiency and the "one best way" to accomplish tasks, greatly influenced the classical approach, particularly in terms of increasing productivity and ensuring standardized work processes in public organizations.

This model thrived in an era of relative stability and predictability, but as the 20th century progressed, criticisms of its rigidity and lack of flexibility in addressing emerging societal challenges began to surface.

Modern Public Administration

Modern public administration represents a shift from the previous traditional bureaucratic systems. Its approach is more adaptable and aims to make public institutions more responsive to the needs of citizens and stakeholders.

The core principles of modern public administration, often associated with New Public Management (NPM), include decentralization, performance management, and the integration of market-based mechanisms into the public sector. It seeks to emulate private-sector practices by focusing on results, customer satisfaction, and cost efficiency.

Furthermore, modern public administration encourages a shift away from the hierarchical structures found in the classic public administration type toward a more collaborative and consultative approach. It advocates for increased citizen participation in decision-making processes, making governance more democratic and representative.

Postmodern Public Administration

Unlike classical and modern approaches, postmodernism in public administration, in accordance with postmodernism in general, embraces ambiguity and diverse interpretations of public values, rejecting the idea of universal truths or one-size-fits-all solutions.

It seeks to deconstruct established frameworks and emphasizes decentralization, participatory governance, and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. Postmodern approaches often incorporate insights from critical theory and aim to challenge dominant power structures and ideologies within public administration, making room for marginalized voices and non-traditional perspectives.

An example of this in practice would be the growing use of public-private partnerships, which blur the lines between public and private sectors. Rather than adhering to rigid bureaucratic structures, postmodern public administration supports adaptive, context-sensitive strategies that reflect the fluid nature of contemporary governance.

This approach also tends to view public administration as a narrative process, where multiple stories and experiences can coexist, and decision-making is influenced by diverse viewpoints rather than rigid protocols. Therefore, postmodern public administration is more reflective of today's rapidly evolving, interconnected, and pluralistic societies.

Public Administration vs. Public Policy

Public administration and public policy are closely related because they both serve the public and revolve around policy, but they engage with it in different ways.

Public policy is essentially the thinking side of government. It focuses on creating and evaluating policies that address societal issues. On the other hand, public administration is the doing side of government. Once policies are formulated from professionals in public policy, public administrators step in to execute and manage them.

Education and Training in Public Administration

There are several education and training options for those interested in public administration. UND offers a variety of such programs designed to help you build the skills needed for success in this field.

One key program is UND's Master of Public Administration (MPA), which is ideal for individuals aiming to lead in the public or nonprofit sectors. The MPA equips students with the skills to manage public resources and tackle policy challenges.

For those interested in combining expertise in both law and public service, UND also offers a joint J.D. and MPA degree. This program allows students to earn both degrees in a shorter timeframe, offering even more career opportunities in areas like government, policy-making, and legal advising.

Additionally, UND's Public Administration Minor is a great option for undergraduate students who want a foundational understanding of public management and policy without committing to a full MPA. Another flexible choice is the Public Administration Certificate, which focuses on key areas such as budgeting, leadership, and policy evaluation. This certificate is particularly useful for professionals already working in the public or nonprofit sectors or for those transitioning from the private sector into public service.

Top Career Paths with a Public Administration Degree

A degree in public administration opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in government, nonprofit organizations, and even the private sector. Here are some of the top career paths you can pursue with a public administration degree:

• City manager
• Nonprofit manager
• Budget analyst
• Urban planner
• Policy analyst
• Emergency management director
• County manager
• Social and community service manager
• Fundraising manager
• Executive director
• Development coordinator
• Environmental consultant

Why Should I Study Public Administration?

Studying public administration allows you to make an impact in your community by working to improve public services and leading organizations in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Therefore, if you're passionate about addressing societal challenges and working toward the public good, you should definitely consider pursuing a degree in public administration.

Joshua Tetzlaff, another UND alumni, believes that getting his MPA from UND was a great decision. He notes, "It has not only opened doors to jobs that wouldn't have considered my application otherwise, but it has also helped me perform at a high level in my role as a city administrator."

The flexibility of the program allowed me to pursue higher education at my own pace while continuing my full-time role.James Vallejos, UND Alumni

James Vallejos also shared how UND's MPA program, in particular, was an excellent choice as it helped him grow while simultaneously providing him with enough room to balance education and work, saying, "The MPA degree has provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to be a more effective fundraiser and public affairs leader. The flexibility of the program allowed me to pursue higher education at my own pace while continuing my full-time role."

These testimonials give a glimpse into the transformative impact that studying public administration can have on your career. So, whether your goal is to work in government, nonprofits, or policy-making, if you choose to study public administration, you will gain the needed foundation to achieve those ambitions.

Conclusion

Public administration has evolved over time, adapting to the changing needs of society and the complexities of governance. As technology, policies, and societal expectations continue to advance, public administration will undoubtedly evolve further. The field's focus on serving the public good ensures that it will remain relevant. If you're passionate about pursuing a career in this field, UND offers an excellent opportunity to pursue various programs centered around it.

Join us and learn to lead with purpose and improve society for a better tomorrow.

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