Definitions of Public Administration In simplest terms, it means government in action.

Definitions of Public Administration I. Political Definitions I. Political Definitions -focuses on the political nature of administrative decisions -focuses on the political nature of administrative decisions A. Defines government activity: refers to influencing the public’s business A. Defines government activity: refers to influencing the public’s business B. Reflects the cultural norms and beliefs of its environment B. Reflects the cultural norms and beliefs of its environment C. Refers to when govt. provides services or contracts with others to provide them C. Refers to when govt. provides services or contracts with others to provide them

Definitions of Public Administration D. Refers to making decisions in the public interest (exercises personal judgment to protect citizens: Burke) D. Refers to making decisions in the public interest (exercises personal judgment to protect citizens: Burke) E. Refers to the community spirit: when people agree to provide services to those less well-off E. Refers to the community spirit: when people agree to provide services to those less well-off

Definitions of Public Administration II. Legal Definitions II. Legal Definitions A. Focuses on the execution of public law. Administration cannot exist without a legal foundation A. Focuses on the execution of public law. Administration cannot exist without a legal foundation B. Focuses on regulations: the more economically developed a country, the more regulated B. Focuses on regulations: the more economically developed a country, the more regulated C. Refers to the goods and services that leaders are willing to share (the king’s largesse) C. Refers to the goods and services that leaders are willing to share (the king’s largesse)

Definitions of Public Administration III. Managerial Definitions III. Managerial Definitions A. Refers to the management or running of existing programs A. Refers to the management or running of existing programs B. Uses government resources to accomplish agency goals B. Uses government resources to accomplish agency goals C. Often is symbolized by ‘red tape’/Mickey Mouse rules C. Often is symbolized by ‘red tape’/Mickey Mouse rules D. Refers to judgment calls of decisionmakers D. Refers to judgment calls of decisionmakers

Definitions of Public Administration IV. Occupational Definitions IV. Occupational Definitions A. Refers to the jobs public employees perform A. Refers to the jobs public employees perform B. Refers to a writing intensive job; success is based on how well you can write (and speak) B. Refers to a writing intensive job; success is based on how well you can write (and speak) C. Refers to idealism in action; people trying to serve the greater good C. Refers to idealism in action; people trying to serve the greater good D. An academic field that applies management to government D. An academic field that applies management to government

Definitions of Public Administration E. Based on Wilson’s politics/administration dichotomy initially E. Based on Wilson’s politics/administration dichotomy initially The core content of PA focuses on its political dynamics; it is a political process. Recognizes that reforms tend to follow cyclical patterns.